I am building a kitchen island that will have 2 doors and I was thinking of picking up nice European Blum hinges to match what we already have in our kitchen. If I did that I would have to purchase the forstner bit to create the inset for the hinge to sit in. Then I got to thinking about just using piano hinge. It won’t be visible from the outside and is fairly easy to install. Any opinions on using piano hinges for a kitchen island cabinet door?
Regards,
Buzzsaw
Replies
Piano hinge is difficult to adjust if you get any mis-alignment between the door and the box or other doors. I use them alot, but only where their strength makes this drawback worthwhile. Kitchen Cabinets (I find) need frequent adjustments as the structure moves over time.
Good point Frozen,
This is the type of input I was looking for. I may spring for the Euro hinges...Regards,
Buzzsaw
When you buy the bit, look for one with a small center spur. Some inexpensive bits have a spur so long you only have about 1/32" between the hole & the front of a 3/4" panel. Generally, the ones sold as Euro hing bits are OK.
I would agree that you should take the plunge with Euro hinges -- they are indispensible in the modern cabinet maker's arsensal.
The learning curve can be fairly steep -- with the profusion of hinges and baseplates, and what you need to know about mounting positions. But the effort is well worth it.
Grass and Blum, I think, are still the best of the lot, but there are a number of other manufacturers these days. I would urge you to stay with one or the other in the beginning, and study their catalog and installation instructions. It would also help you in the long run if you keep fairly careful notes re: the cup drilling distance for various applications, etc.
One easy way to get the hang of working with these hinges is to take a scrap board about 6" wide (and the height of your door), and use it to work out all the variables (how far from the edge to drill the hole, where to mount the base plate etc.). That will save you from making mistakes with the door itself.
Most of these hinges are available in either a snap-on or screw-on version, and personally, I find the former much easier to work with. I also like the self closing feature, which will eliminate the need for some sort of magnetic catch or other holding device.
Good luck..................
Rockler's little Blum jig and bit set is "OK" for occasional use and it is easy to learn to use. Doesn't cost too much either. A Blum jig is a pretty good tool to have in your arsenal, you might use it more then you think.
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