Replies

1. 
   MBerger | Jun 05, 2006 08:48pm | #1

   Hi Bejuan,

   That chest is a great project. I learned a lot about hand tool woodworking by using the techniques Chris Gochnour details in his article.

   The hinges are 2-1/2 in. long by 1-3/8 in. wide butt hinges. I purchased them over the Internet here. I chose unfinished brass over polished brass because you can apply the same finish to the hinges as you use on the wood.

   I hate to admit it but I never got around to installing the lid stay. (It's up against a wall so I never open it past its breaking point). Chris recommended the type that mortise into the box wall (example). You just have to be careful that the thickness of the mortise isn't too wide for the thickness of the chest wall. Check the dimensions before you buy.

   I'm not aware of any published guidelines for sizing hardware. There are a few articles and videos on the subject in our archives, which you can browse here.

   Enjoy the project and post some pictures in Knots when your finished.

   Matt Berger
   Fine Woodworking

   
   

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   Edited 6/5/2006 1:50 pm ET by MBerger

1. 
   bejuan | Jun 05, 2006 09:04pm | #2

   Thanks for the input Matt.

   Two last questions, if you don't mind.  First, I wondered what size the chest lifts were that you used---5"?  Second, it appears by comparing the positioning of the chest lifts in your pictures and those from Mr. Gouchnour's article that yours are positioned lower on the chest.  I wondered if this was an optical illusion, if it was done for aesthetic reasons, or if there were structural/strength issues that you considered.  I will post the chest tandem (I'm working on them simultaneously) as soon as they're done.  Thanks again,

   Bejuan 

1. 
   MBerger | Jun 05, 2006 10:26pm | #3

   Sorry, what you call a 'lift" I call a handle so I missed that from you original question. I used the 4 in version. The position of them was purely esthetic and I can't tell you either way if I've compromised their strength.

   One thing to note is that if the chest is filled with a lot of weight, I don't lift it by the handles alone because I'm affraid the short screws that attach the hardware to the chest wouldn't hold the weight. If this is a concern, you might consider a mortised handle.