Guild Forum

Vol.2 No.4
7 May 2003

Help is needed:

I received an email asking about shaping marble etc. Unfortunately I had a computer glitch and lost the mail. If the person that sent it would resend it I would appreciate it very much, so that we can find an answer and post it.

Thanks very much; GVH

One Method for Butt Hinging Doors to a Cabinet

By George Hoffman

Q. I am reduced to tears from frustration when it comes to applying hinges, especially those that fit within the cabinet frame - an inner door hinge (I'm sure there is some proper name for that sort but I don't know it.) - when the door is shut all you can see from the outside is the barrel. Can you give me any help with ideas of how to set up a jig to hold everything in alignment as you struggle with the nail holes and nails.

A. Butt Hinging:

Here is a method I have found to be successful is shown in the drawing below.

For a type of hinge that I will use repeatedly I copy the hinge on a piece of thin brass. Mark then drill nail holes in same location as hinge. Next bend the brass at a 90° angle to fit against the door, marking the outline on the door for cutting the mortise. After applying hinge to door hold door with hinge in place on cabinet rail and mark outline. Cut your mortise staying inside the lines. See drawing # 2

You also can hinge the door as shown then using a wood vise with the vise in an open position large enough to accept the cabinet. Cut mortises with side face frame glued in place. Then apply hinged door to it. Use tweezers to hold nail as you tap it in place. This would be my preferred method to apply this type of hinge.