"Thomas G. Marshall" . com
wrote in message news:PxFRj.2804$uS1.1332@trndny05...

Sorry for this, but this has always mystified me.

Given a small box that I can put a lid on with either a piano hinge or two
smaller hinges, how on earth do I align it so that it closes perfectly?

I envision using some kind of double sided tape to attach the hinges until
by experimentation it closes right, but I am not quite sure what else to
do.

Thanks!


I attach the hinges to the lid first and put a small piece of double stick
tape on the entire surface that will come in contact with the box. Set the
lid on the box exactly where you want it to fit and the apply pressure over
the hinges.

Carefully open the lid and use something to support the lid so that the
hinges will not have to support it. Using a "Vix" bit I drill "1" hole on
each hinge and put a screw in each pilot hole. Test the fit. If the fit is
good use the Vix bit to drill the remainder of the pilot holes and then
scribe a line with a utility knife around the hinges to establish the
location of the hinge mortise. Remove the screws and lid. Cut the mortises
and reattach the lid.

The key is to use a self centering bit to accurately place the holes for the
screws. If you are not dead centered, the screws will displace the hinge.
The Vix bit is relatively inexpensive and works very well.