How do you build a nice looking front door panel?

[ragnar]

I've one some searching on the forums and have not found any discussions on this matter.  I want my front panel to be removable or to be hinged.

Removable I can do but I would prefer hinged.  But how do I do a nice clean look and make it hinged?

I know the ideas behind it, but I have not seen pictures of this kind of work.  So I am basically hoping that some of you fine folk would be so kind as to post some pictures of your front doors!  Anything that opens up (hinged or removable) to provide access to the inner guts is appreciated!

UPDATE:  This is my current curiosity and potential solution to all my issues:

Is this what I need:
http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2080761/29849/E-Z-Mount-Hinges-Soft-Close-Full-Inset-Hinge.aspx?refcode=10INAFFG

Same as this (which my local Ace Hardware might carry)?:
http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3622277&kw=cabinet+hinge&origkw=cabinet+hinge

UPDATE:
Ya, these:
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xga/R-100149058/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

ORDERED:
Atleast Home Depot doesn't beat around the bush.  These are full inset hinges!

[javeryh]

THIS is how I did it.

[methodical]

yep, that's how I did it... cabinet door hinges.

[Avrus]

Super easy just used European hinges, route out the hinge into the side of the cabinet and voila.

HERE

[ragnar]

But how does one make it so the seams for the door look good?

(PS: I don't see the images right now as most of them are blocked at work)

Also, if using just a sheet of plywood, won't it warp if just hanging hinged on one side?  I mean 5 years from now?  Or do peole brace the back side of it?

I'm starting to think that I might do some exposed hinges on the front side and actually have it be a 2 piece door but I think it might look stupid when completed.  I guess the whole idea is to hide the fact that there is a door there.

Do people generally just make the face piece and use hte entire face for the door?

[EvilNuff]

Think of a kitchen cabinet...they don't sag or warp over years of far more use than any arcade cabinet.  And to be honest many kitchen cabs are a frame with an insert which is less material than a solid plywood or mdf door.  Kitchen cabinet hinges work fine to prevent sagging.

As for seams, google european hinges and see how they work.  That should answer most of your questions.

[ragnar]

Think of a kitchen cabinet...they don't sag or warp over years of far more use than any arcade cabinet.  And to be honest many kitchen cabs are a frame with an insert which is less material than a solid plywood or mdf door.  Kitchen cabinet hinges work fine to prevent sagging.

As for seams, google european hinges and see how they work.  That should answer most of your questions.

I'm familiar with the hinges, it's just that the panel has to fit between the two side panels.  Does one just leave a gap of 1/8" or so on each side?  I guess that is the only way.

[javeryh]

1/8" is plenty - I think I tried for 1/16".  Once you have everything in front of you it is easier than you think.

[ragnar]

1/8" is plenty - I think I tried for 1/16".  Once you have everything in front of you it is easier than you think.

Ya, this is probably true.  I am probably buying the wood today.  Might even get started tonight even though I want to get the sticks ordered ASAP.

[EvilNuff]

...I'm familiar with the hinges, it's just that the panel has to fit between the two side panels.  ...

Ahh I misunderstood your question, my bad...Javeryh answered you I believe.

[ragnar]

...I'm familiar with the hinges, it's just that the panel has to fit between the two side panels.  ...

Ahh I misunderstood your question, my bad...Javeryh answered you I believe.

Actually, I wouldn't call my question "well formed".  A failure on my part to some extent.  I worry about doing the job and regretting how it turns out.  I think I am going to use every inch of that piece of oak plywood I have and don't want to spend an extra $50 on another because of a mistake :-)

[ragnar]

Today I went to Home Depot to get some full inset cabinet hinges.  They don't sell them.

Lowe's also did not have them online.  Some specialty wood working sights sell them though.

So, where is everyone buying these?

Is this what I need:
http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2080761/29849/E-Z-Mount-Hinges-Soft-Close-Full-Inset-Hinge.aspx?refcode=10INAFFG

Same as this (which my local Ace Hardware might carry)?:
http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3622277&kw=cabinet+hinge&origkw=cabinet+hinge

[jbarnatt]

Here is a tip. You can get those hinges at IKEA. Just go to the AS-IS section. There will be a bin full of random hardware. You can usually get a bag for a few dollars. Not just hinges.

[ragnar]

Here is a tip. You can get those hinges at IKEA. Just go to the AS-IS section. There will be a bin full of random hardware. You can usually get a bag for a few dollars. Not just hinges.

For thet cost of gas to get to one, I'd spend less buying online.  Not a bad idea though!

[EvilNuff]

I go to the local rockler store...but the ikea suggestion is amazing.  I will be going there tomorrow to check that out.

[ragnar]

BUMP: Does anyone know if the below item or items are what I need?

Is this what I need:
http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2080761/29849/E-Z-Mount-Hinges-Soft-Close-Full-Inset-Hinge.aspx?refcode=10INAFFG

Same as this (which my local Ace Hardware might carry)?:
http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3622277&kw=cabinet+hinge&origkw=cabinet+hinge

UPDATE:
ORDERED:
Atleast Home Depot doesn't beat around the bush.  These are full inset hinges!

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xga/R-100149058/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

[EvilNuff]

As jbarnatt said Ikea was a win for me for hinges.  They had bags of 3 pairs of hinges for $0.99.


That's a boat load cheaper than any hinges i've seen elsewhere.

[ragnar]

1/8" is plenty - I think I tried for 1/16".  Once you have everything in front of you it is easier than you think.

I went with gaps that will be just under 1/8".  Like 1/32" less.  So, the gap on each side is about 3/32".  Maybe a bit more.

Anyways, one I had the hinges in hand and played with them a bit, I could easily see how these work.  So, the door has the holes in it and it is now ready for stain/poly.

Thanks all!