Is there a hinge designed for this?

[darktemp]

My control panel has a small 1/2 inch lip of plexiglass that extends out over the front of the panel which was made so the art could extend all the way forward (see pic).  However I've changed my mind on the mounting method and decided instead of bolting it down, to use hinges instead to allow easier access.  The question is are there hinges available that are hinged in multiple locations that would allow the control surface to swing up and then forward so the lip of the plexi isn't in the way?

I hope that makes sense, here is a picture to show my dilemma.

[screaming]

I went to the WilsonArt store a few weeks ago to get some laminate and they had a whole selection of hinges there.  What you're trying to do doesn't seem to abnormal; They must have what you're looking for.

-sab

[pointdablame]

I would think a European cabinet hinge would work.  Some of them extend out before hinging so that the cabinet doors are flush when closed.

[JoyMonkey]

Maybe a couple of panel latches would work?
http://arcadedepot.com/HTML/CabinetAccessories/LT1.html

[pointdablame]

Maybe a couple of panel latches would work?
http://arcadedepot.com/HTML/CabinetAccessories/LT1.html

I think he wants the CP to hinge forward so that he could get to the insides.  Those clamps would just secure the panel.

[darktemp]

I'll have to see if there's a wilsonart store local.  I probably made a mistake by going to lowes which had nothing even remotely close.  I was also looking at websites hoping to get an idea of what I need to buy.

I searched for European hinges and there seems to be several kinds.  Is there a particular type that is used for this kind of stuff?

[darktemp]

Maybe a couple of panel latches would work?
http://arcadedepot.com/HTML/CabinetAccessories/LT1.html

I think he wants the CP to hinge forward so that he could get to the insides.  Those clamps would just secure the panel.

That's correct.  My first plan was to use those panel clamps which seemed perfect in theory but are very difficult to access and I think I'm going to be working on the underbelly of this beast more than I had expected

[pointdablame]

http://tinyurl.com/cv7uk


Go to that link and have a look.  It's the best site I could find quickly with a lot of pics.  I THINK you need a European OVERLAY hinge.  That is the hinge I was thinking about that has a part of it "hidden" when closed.  I think that might work for you, but give that a read.

[screaming]

I was thinking something like this...

http://www.hardwaresource.com/Store_ViewProducts.asp?Cat=893&OrderID=

[NoOne=NBA=]

How are you planning to extend your artwork to the edge with nothing behind it?
Unless it's backprinted onto your plexi, you're asking for trouble.

Also, AFAIK, all of those hinges are designed to operate on a closure like this.

[darktemp]

My artwork is from mamemarquees and is his self adhesive overlay.  I actually applied the cpo on top of the plexi to create a smooth surface and allow the lip of plexi to rest on the wood frame in the front.  The panel is currently installed and works quite well, but I couldn't forsee all the little issues so before I pull the panel off (which is a real hassel in its current state) I want to have the hinges ready to install.  I already have plans to protect the front edge after I get everything finished.

[Nannuu]

Hard to tell but the Four Way Hinge from Lee Valley might work?

http://www.leevalley.com/hardware/page.aspx?c=2&cat=3&p=41241

[Avery]

Rockler has a bit of a tutorial at: http://www.rockler.com/articles/display_article.cfm?&story_id=52

I think this would do you: http://www.rockler.com/ecom7/product_details.cfm?offerings_id=2281

You could also do this with two regular hinges and a short length of wood or something (to give you the clearance you need for that lip).

[conseit68]

Hard to tell but the Four Way Hinge from Lee Valley might work?

http://www.leevalley.com/hardware/page.aspx?c=2&cat=3&p=41241

I had the same problem a while back with a bar I built. Use these, you will be pleased.

adios

[nobody]

I'll have to see if there's a wilsonart store local.  I probably made a mistake by going to lowes which had nothing even remotely close.  I was also looking at websites hoping to get an idea of what I need to buy.

I searched for European hinges and there seems to be several kinds.  Is there a particular type that is used for this kind of stuff?

i know the type people mean but im afraid they wont help, i have ton all around the house and that lip means you wont be able to open it with any hinge i know of unless you want your hnge showing through the plexi

[MiKman]

Why not hinge it at the back of the panel so that it opens like a hood of a car instead of at the front like you suggest in the picture.  I'm assuming thats the front of your control panel.

[darktemp]

Thanks for all your help guys.  That 4-way hinge is just what I've been looking for.

i know the type people mean but im afraid they wont help, i have ton all around the house and that lip means you wont be able to open it with any hinge i know of unless you want your hnge showing through the plexi

Are you referring to the 4-way hinge?  I thought for sure that would work.

Why not hinge it at the back of the panel so that it opens like a hood of a car instead of at the front like you suggest in the picture.  I'm assuming thats the front of your control panel.

I considered that as a last resort if I can't hinge it from the front.  Due to the small size of my panel and the joysticks sticking up I would only be able to hinge it about 100 degrees and it would pretty much stick straight up, but it is a possibility.

[Quarters]

I think this it what your looking for. I got some at Home depot. I think they are called "hidden hinges" They are spring loaded so they will stay in the open or closed position.

[NIVO]

in the my modification below, you'll notice the lime green stripe, indicating where the hinged section will move. Also notice in red, the piano hinge. I think this is being made too difficult. As with my mod to this, the WHOLE area above the green cutoff will tilt back, allowing you the access you need. Simple yet effective, and you could still lock it down using panel latches or some other means.

[Avery]

A pianno hinge won't work there becasue the upright piece of wood and the one slanting back towards the cabinet will interfere with one another.  He'd still have to use a specialty hinge.

That design would make life easier with the artwork/plexiglass issue though.

[Nannuu]

I think this it what your looking for. I got some at Home depot. I think they are called "hidden hinges" They are spring loaded so they will stay in the open or closed position.

I tried these on an angled panel once, they didn't push the panel out far enough.  So it scraped the adjacent panel.  With your plexi overhang I think the same will happen.

[NIVO]

avery, my apologies you are correct sir, it will not work where i have it, it would however work on the outside of the same position. But most folks would not like it visible there and I would have to concur.

[RayB]

Well, you could put it on the outside, but route out the wood so that the hinge is flush with the wood...

[darktemp]

Unfortunately at this point the cabinet is fully assembled and painted so routing or changing the design is too late.  I regretted not building the control panel into a box that encompassed the front as NIVO posted but I was very tight on space.  I have barely enough room to fit a couple hinges on the panel as it is and getting the cp in required some routing.  This is why my original plan to just set the panel in with a couple of countersunk bolts under the plexi and using wingnuts underneath isn't going to work because it's hard to line everything up and even harder to get the wingnuts on from through the coindoor.

This will all be made clear once I post some pics in project announcements.  I also reallized that hinging from the back wouldn't allow me to remove my bezel glass without removing the panel and it wouldn't hinge more than 45 degrees.

Thanks for the heads up on the home depot hinges Quarters.  I'll stop by and see if they might work, but it's sounding like some of you think they won't.

[ahofle]

You can also have the piano hinge sandwiched in between the two bevelled pieces (where the green line is drawn) so only the rounded part is shown on the outside.

[RayB]

Keep in mind it doesnt HAVE to be hinged. Alot of cabs have CPs that are held with clamps (the type shown earlier in this thread) and that
s it. In fact, it's way more convenient to be able to remove the CP entirely.

[benwillcox]

I think this it what your looking for. I got some at Home depot. I think they are called "hidden hinges" They are spring loaded so they will stay in the open or closed position.

I use these hinges on my control panel. Although the design is a little different to darktemp's...



Ben

[darktemp]

Thanks for the picture Ben, that helps quite a bit.  How big is the gap between the hinges?

(awesome wiring btw  )

[benwillcox]

How big is the gap between the hinges?

The hinges are 22 inches apart. They were the only type I could find that would be totally hidden, with nothing to indicate that there are hinges there. They are also spring loaded, so 'snap' to the closed position, and 'snap' to the open position which is quite handy.
I had planned to add some additional supports to hold the lid in the open position, but it stays open fine by itself due to the way it's balanced and the 'snap' action of the hinges.

I have a few more pics on my website which may give you a better view,  look here http://www.willcoxonline.com/mame/index.html and click on 'Control Panel'. You can click on the images for a high res version

(awesome wiring btw  )

Thanks!
Ben