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where to hinge control panel?
purplemonkey:
ok, I originally designed my control panel to hinge open from the back, thinking that that would make it easiest to work on. But now that my cabinet is half built, I can see that it is not going to work because it hits the sides when you try to open it. The only solution I see is put the hinge in front, so that it opens toward you instead of away from you. This makes the hing visible though. It's not to bad since there is an overhang, but I still don't like it. How does everyone else do it? Anyone got pictures?
mpm32:
I used no hinges at all. Just some blocks of wood in the corners of control panel, it's just a press fit into the box. Doesn't move at all.
REBIRTH:
I don't do it this way, but you can install a hing on the inside of the cab (one side underneath the control panel, one side attached to the inside of the front of the cab). You still might see the edge of the hinge, but might not depending on how your wood is situated. Or just don't hinge it at all. I have 3 rotating control panels, and I don't hinge them. I attache them using little bolts, and left enough wire play inside so that I can remove one and flip it over to work on.
purplemonkey:
--- Quote from: REBIRTH on June 04, 2003, 12:19:21 pm ---I don't do it this way, but you can install a hing on the inside of the cab (one side underneath the control panel, one side attached to the inside of the front of the cab). You still might see the edge of the hinge, but might not depending on how your wood is situated. Or just don't hinge it at all. I have 3 rotating control panels, and I don't hinge them. I attache them using little bolts, and left enough wire play inside so that I can remove one and flip it over to work on.
--- End quote ---
I think I know what you mean, but that would involve hinging the entire control panel box. I just want to hinge the top. The way mine is built my control panel is a box with 6 sides including a bottom. The part of the cabinet it bolts too is also solid. I want to be able to hinge the top open to un/screw the bolts inside the control panel to fasten it on. I've seen pictures of a setup like this somewhere. Problem is, if the hinge is inside the box, it won't open without hitting itself, so it has to be outside. It can't go in the back cause then it hits the cabinet. That only leave the front (or the sides which would look pretty stupid...) Aughhhh...!
hyiu:
instead of hingeing the panel....
you might want to consider using panel clamps....
then when you need to access... you can just open the coin door (assuming something in the front can be opened to access the inside...), reach in and loosen the clamp... then the top of the panel comes off....
I did it that way..... Happs clamps are expensive... but they're really nice and secure....
hope it helps...