A Question on Box Hinges

Either of those two hinges could potentially work for your project.

The differences:

The first one is a Brusso hinge—-a top-quality US-made hinge. That model is also a “stopped” hinge, so it prevents the box lid from opening past about 95 degrees.

The second is a more standard butt hinge—-no stop, and probably not as precisely made (i.e. it will have more slop).

-- Jerry, making sawdust professionally since 1976

Okay, this is very helpful and what I thought but I haven’t been able to find any confirmation. The quality difference I understand. At this point, I don’t think my skills merit the 30 bucks for the Brusso. And I’m not sure my wallet is up to the challenge either. The stop I don’t think I want/need. So basically it sounds like either of these hinges could be mounted in either of the ways I describe about. Just a matter of cutting the recesses appropriately?

Thanks again for the help.

-- Newcomer to Woodworking, Looking to Learn More

Both should be mortised in. The Brusso is a much nicer hinge. But, if the budget doesn’t allow it, the other will work as well. It’s just thinner and stamped rather than machined like the Brusso ones.

-- The quality of one's woodworking is directly related to the amount of flannel worn.

Josh, if you are going for the non-Brusso hinges, Rockler has some inexpensive stop hinges that will save you from adding a chain to keep the lid open. http://www.rockler.com/brass-plated-small-box-stop-hinge There is also a Piano Hinge 8” http://www.rockler.com/105-degree-stop-hinge-8-inch that comes in different finishes.

Lowes carries a variety of small/minature brass box hinges in different sizes. They are not stop hinges but do well. http://www.lowes.com/pd_311939-1277-890293_0Z1z1407o__?productId=3355480&Ns=p_product_price|0&pl=1&Ntt=hinges

When recessing/mortising for the hinge, you can take out the total depth of the hinge from the bottom meaning the top of box. This would leave the bottom of the lid with a non recessed/mortised hinge screwed to it and laying flat. The top of the backside of the box holds the entire hinge in its recess.

Hinges are always a challenge for me and a big help/must have is the self-centering bitshttp://www.rockler.com/rockler-insty-drive-self-centering-bits. Even at the non-sale price, they are worth every penny!

Josh, take a look at these hinges from Horton Brasses. They are good quality and reasonably priced. I used them on this box. HTH

-- Art