Phil Thien
06-30-2012, 8:43 PM
Had some scraps left over after making a silverware tray for my wife, and decided to make a small box.
In the past, I've used pieces of brass rod as pivots for the top. There is a certain amount of trial and error to get the length of the rods just right on each side so you have an even reveal on all sides of the top. And there is little chance to make adjustments once you've hammered the pins home.
So I came up with this little scheme.
I use four 10-24 (3/8" long in this case) stainless set screws, and two 5/32" steel balls. That is enough stuff for two "hinges," and all the gear is available at any well-stocked hardware store.
The set screws need to have the cup ends (this is the typical set screw that you see in hardware stores, but there are other types of set screws so I thought I'd mention it).
The box gets four holes: Two 5/32" through-holes (one on each side of the box) and two 5/32" 1" deep holes (one on each side of the top).
Each hole receives a 10-24 3/8" set screw. The set screws in the top are buried such that the steel balls that ride on top of them are just a tiny bit proud of the hole.
Once the set screws are installed, the steel balls are put in place and then the top is placed in position, and the set screws on the sides of the box are turned in until they engage the steel balls.
You can make adjustments to move the top left/right by adjusting the set screws in the box sides.
It works very smoothly, and the top can be removed for adjustments, finishing, etc.
Parts cost about $.75 per side, or $1.50 per box.
In the past, I've used pieces of brass rod as pivots for the top. There is a certain amount of trial and error to get the length of the rods just right on each side so you have an even reveal on all sides of the top. And there is little chance to make adjustments once you've hammered the pins home.
So I came up with this little scheme.
I use four 10-24 (3/8" long in this case) stainless set screws, and two 5/32" steel balls. That is enough stuff for two "hinges," and all the gear is available at any well-stocked hardware store.
The set screws need to have the cup ends (this is the typical set screw that you see in hardware stores, but there are other types of set screws so I thought I'd mention it).
The box gets four holes: Two 5/32" through-holes (one on each side of the box) and two 5/32" 1" deep holes (one on each side of the top).
Each hole receives a 10-24 3/8" set screw. The set screws in the top are buried such that the steel balls that ride on top of them are just a tiny bit proud of the hole.
Once the set screws are installed, the steel balls are put in place and then the top is placed in position, and the set screws on the sides of the box are turned in until they engage the steel balls.
You can make adjustments to move the top left/right by adjusting the set screws in the box sides.
It works very smoothly, and the top can be removed for adjustments, finishing, etc.
Parts cost about $.75 per side, or $1.50 per box.