Need solution for swinging bookcase hinges

They make hinges for commerciial doors up to 500lb. It should not be a problem as long as you have something to screw them to.

4 1/2 inch hinges may be all you need and are readily available.

-- I intended to be a woodworker, but turned into a tool and lumber collector.

Would heavy duty SOSS hinges fit your design?

I would use piano hinges. I think you can get them in varying capacities.

I would use a type of pivot hinge, sometimes called top and bottom mount. Brackets (top & bottom) have a vertical pin that is captured by another bracket built into the door. I’ve used them on lots of doors and gates in scenic productions, one pair of gates 12” thick and 7’ wide, 11’ high each. They were constructed with styrofoam mass in the center and covered with rough scalloped cedar to mimic rails and stiles. These massive gates were not lightweight but probably not over 250 lbs each. Point being this type of hinge will easily support the kind of weight you’re describing.

You could just buy your dream book case already designed and built. I don’t think it would hard to remodel to hold books.

https://www.google.com/search?tbs=simg:CAQSrAIJC8G0amdXqpQaoAILELCMpwgaYgpgCAMSKNcF1AXYBeUKgw2FAYYY4QrNBZgVgT7mNeo1hT6GPuc13TXpNes13DUaMFQoPdHPiBxmK1F5WhYD29DB-ibgi_13eaPzoKxfPCICbeX8u_1tYHOckuyabW95uLTSAEDAsQjq7-CBoKCggIARIEk0VKEgwLEJ3twQkamAEKGAoFc29saWTapYj2AwsKCS9hLzNtZzFjbQofCgtkcmF3ZXIgcHVsbNqliPYDDAoKL20vMDN3YmN4agogCgxjYWJpbmV0IGRvb3LapYj2AwwKCi9tLzBoOG5keXkKHQoKaG9yaXpvbnRhbNqliPYDCwoJL2EvMm1xdnpjChoKB3N0eWxpc2japYj2AwsKCS9hLzI2NW4zOQw&q=pantry+cabinet&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjh9aiGg7btAhVVnp4KHXGYDE0Q2A4oAXoECBAQMg

-- Alaskan's for Global warming!

Piano hinge will carry the weight and the numerous screws allow the carry weight to be distributed instead of concentrated in two or three spots. This reduces the risk of the frame splitting.

Books are dense, 2nd only to water. You don’t see pivoting structures because the single sided support makes the shelves wrack. Splitting the shelves into two pieces would cut the lever arm in half.

The hidden door bookcases tend to use false book spines instead of real books to cut the weight. This is esp. true for TV/movie sets where it moves with a light touch.

In reality a swinging bookcase will need a caster at the swing end to carry the load. This will wear a rut in the floor or carpet. This will also prevent the hinge(s) from tearing out when the kids climb on it to get a book off the top shelf.

-- The hump with the stump and the pump!

Exactly my thoughts. The weight load would be forward on the frame, making it front heavy and needing anchoring. I would split the shelves in half, although each “door” still carries books on the front and back.

Piano hinges might be the best bet, as it’s the frame and not the hinges that concern me. Even with strong hinges, repeated use will weaken the screw points.

Piano hinge will carry the weight and the numerous screws allow the carry weight to be distributed instead of concentrated in two or three spots. This reduces the risk of the frame splitting.

Books are dense, 2nd only to water. You don t see pivoting structures because the single sided support makes the shelves wrack. Splitting the shelves into two pieces would cut the lever arm in half.

The hidden door bookcases tend to use false book spines instead of real books to cut the weight. This is esp. true for TV/movie sets where it moves with a light touch.

In reality a swinging bookcase will need a caster at the swing end to carry the load. This will wear a rut in the floor or carpet. This will also prevent the hinge(s) from tearing out when the kids climb on it to get a book off the top shelf.

- Madmark2

Piano hinges are / have been the main stay of this design for decades. That should tell you something right there.

If you want more concealed hardware, consider a Rixon Pivot.

SOSS type hinges will require a lot of depth in the sides of the walls in both the case and the support. That will impact the look of the design , and perhaps the usable space. In addition, the bigger and more weight you want to carry with those – the higher the price becomes. Exponentially. Tectus is another brand with adjustability for even more $$$.