Hinges for blanket chests?

[Derek Cohen]

Would you recommend these Brusso hinges (largest sizes, below), which are tidy and have a built-in stop but may not offer enough strength, or go to strap hinges (and which would you recommend?), that are not as modern looking?


http://www.leevalley.com/US/images/item/hardware/hinges/01b0301g2.jpg


http://www.leevalley.com/US/hardware/page.aspx?p=40459&cat=3,41241,41243&ap=1


Sides of chest are 3/4" thick.


Regards from Perth


Derek

[David Weaver]

On a box, the brusso. on a blanket chest, I'd probably go with the strap hinges unless I absolutely couldn't tolerate the look. It's just too big and with the stop, some kid at some point (even if it's decades from now) is going to fling it open and damage it.

[Jamie Buxton]

For blanket chests, these have been getting good mention on this forum --- http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=22046&site=ROCKLER

[David Weaver]

I think they look a little bit too much like something that goes on a project that has a big router roundover and a bunch of biscuits in it somewhere, though. Derek's visual standards are going to be too high.

[Chris Griggs]

I'd go with something other than those particular Brusso's for a big chest. I've used the Brusso stop hinges on small boxes. They are really nice for that purpose. While they are very very robust and the bigger sizes could probably handle a chest I'd feel more certain about something more substantive to actually hold the lid.

I'd go with the regular Brusso hinges (or other good quality hinge) w/o the build in stop and use a brass chain to stop the lid from opening too far. I have some blanket chest plans around and the chain seems to be the solution I see used most.

[Richard Shaefer]

never liked strap hinges on lids. always felt that it just looked like an afterthought of a detail.

I like small cabinet door hinges like those sold at places like Rejuvenation Hardware stuff:
http://www.rejuvenation.com/catalog/products/2in-ball-tip-hinges
They're pricey, not Brusso pricey, but not cheap. I like then becuase they're sturdy, come in 2 sizes, several finishes, and they come with color matched slotted screws. It's a petty thing, but I can't stand seeing Phillips or Roberson drive screws in quality woodwork.

[Derek Cohen]

I dislike strap hinges myself, which is why I have been seeking out something smaller. I am rapidly coming to the conclusion that ordinary butt hinges will work as long as there is a chain or adjustable rod to take up the strain when the lid is opened. What rod system is neat (slimline)?

Regards from Perth


Derek

[Richard Shaefer]

I like the old style knob stays that were used on drafting tables and large casement windows.
you don't have to actually use the tightening knob (unless you want to). depending on where you position the case pivot, the ball end will act as the stop.
http://www.thehardwarehut.com/catalog-product.php?p_ref=283434

[Brent Ring]

I have used piano hinges and like them the best.

[Jack Lemley]

I used torsion hinges from Rockler for my daughter's over sized blanket chest earlier this year and really liked them.

Jack

[Jim Matthews]

Those are cool, but $32 US for a rod and stop collar?

I'll bet our man from Oz can make something clever, for next to nothing...

[George Gyulatyan]

What if you used an idea such as this:
262912
Couldn't find one for chests, but should make it clear what I mean for illustration purposes. It wouldn't even have to span the entire width. You could make leather straps and attach them to the back of the box and the underside of the lid, close to the hinges. they would be less obtrusive and still would provide support to not stress the hinges.

[Jim Matthews]

I would use the pretty hinges in conjunction with some kind of safeguard.

I haven't used these (http://www.hardwaresource.com/hinges/SPECIALTY+HINGES/Chest+Hinges+-+Box+Hinges+-+Lid+Supports/Toy+Box+Lid+Supports/Friction+Type+Lid+Support%2C+Reversible+Action), but that's the sort of positive mechanism I would want.
It's hard to find something that is subtle, yet assists lifting a lid.

Will there be pictures of the project forthcoming? I follow your work with great interest.

[David Dalzell]

I made a blanket chest and used a rope with brass eyelets mounted on the lid and inside edge of the chest side. Wove the strands back through the rope using a fid. It looks very clean and is quite functional as a lid stop.

[Derek Cohen]

I think I have found a simple, tidy solution. Not cheap, but combines hinge and stay. A large quadrant hinge. TFWW sell the Brusso, which is 1 1/2" x 1/2".


http://toolsforworkingwood.com/prodimg/br/big/BR-QHXX_big.gif


Now the question is, will this be strong enough for a chest (as the design is more typically used on a box)? Is this size large enough? Is there a larger one available?


If I were to use brass butt hinges, I would have gone for 2 or 3 in a 2" length.


Regards from Perth


Derek

[Tony Shea]

I personally don't think the large Brusso box hinges are that bad of an idea, only if you ad in some sort of safe guard and not rely on the stop designed into the hinge. Some sort of chain, canvas, etc. Using the stop designed in the hinge on such a large lid would put too much strain on the smaller brass screws used on this type of hinge. I would use the longest screws you could get away with as well. I really like the Brusso stop hinges but also have only used them on boxes, although my last box had a very heavy rosewood lid and they did fine with it.

[Tony Shea]

Having said all that I do believe that the quadrant hinge may offer a bit more strength. But I still might be nervous about using the designed in stop.

[Jim Matthews]

Those are cool.

Brusso is certainly aware of the stresses on a large lid.
There doesn't appear to be any "brake" in the design - it will slam shut, unattended.