First go at kerf hinges

[justin byers]

Being an anesthetist I’m around a lot of surgeons. They all have super expensive loupes, that come in super poorly made wooden boxes. When I started in this hobby I figured I could make them nicer ones as a nice welcome to the group, and as good practice for box joints. So I’ve made a couple dozen of these over the past few years. I’ve always had issues with hardware, the boxes are only 1/4” thick and the surface mount hinges were failing on me. I recently read an article in fine woodworking that put me onto kerf hinges. So I got the arbor and blade from craft inc, built a carriage jig, and went to work. I know they’ve gotten a lot of hate on here, but man they are amazing. Super clean, easy to install. This box is walnut on walnut, finished in satin nitro.
478405478406478407478408478409

[justin byers]

I line these boxes with foam, so the glue on the inside joints doesn’t matter much

[Mike Henderson]

Very nice work. I'm sure the surgeons appreciate your gift.

Mike

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Simply stunning work, the wood, the joinery, the finish and yes, the hinges! I would suggest your first attempt resulted in a spectacular result! Well done, Sir! Well done, indeed!

[Maurice Mcmurry]

That is very nice indeed. I would want to keep it empty to admire the book matched figure of the top and bottom.

[Lee Schierer]

Very nice box. I would worry about the lid wanting to bow from seasonal moisture changes since it is glued to the side pieces.

[justin byers]

I finished both sides, seems to help. But time will tell.