Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: extendedplayarcade on August 10, 2011, 04:09:31 pm
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does anyone know where i can get a metal piano hinge for my cocktail table? No shorter than 12" no longer than 18"
I did a few searches but can't find one I want. A heavy duty one would be nice with no sharp edges. It would be great if people have bought the one they are linking me too see it is really difficult for me to know what some of these websites i found are saying seeing I don't have a degree in piano hinges.
my build is here http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=111822.0 (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=111822.0)
thanks in advance
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Home depot doesn't carry the right size? I know they have 4 or 5 different sizes at home depot.
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The one I saw looked exactly like the flimsy I already have and do not like
I will try and take a photo and post it
Also at home depot they are like 45inche long. Mine is cut but gets all messed up
Thanks for the reply
Home depot doesn't carry the right size? I know they have 4 or 5 different sizes at home depot.
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you could try www.mcmaster.com (http://www.mcmaster.com)
Pretty much any piano hinge is a cut to length affair. I use an angle grinder with an abrasive cut off wheel. For neatness, I try to cut at a knuckle joint. the pin will not come out on it's own but if you're concerned you can peen the end of it with a nail set and hammer.
If you use all the screw holes those hardware store hinges are plenty strong. if you're worried, countersink the holes and use bigger screws at the ends of the hinge.
the only application where I would be wary is when a direct pull out load is applied to the screws, I.e. some load is hung underneath the hinge.
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Hardware aisle. They come in chrome or brass. They are easy to spray paint if you need black.
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Don't need an angle grinder. A hacksaw will do the job just as well and costs a whole lot less.
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I've been looking for piano hing replacements for my Williams(Joust & Robotron) control panels and have yet to find any with the same spacing for the bolt holes.
Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.
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Don't need an angle grinder. A hacksaw will do the job just as well and costs a whole lot less.
This is true, but the grinder's way more fun!
I've been looking for piano hing replacements for my Williams(Joust & Robotron) control panels and have yet to find any with the same spacing for the bolt holes.
Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.
What's the spacing of the bolt holes and how wide is the hinge when laid open? Might have a few ideas for sources.
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Why not just use 2-3 heavy duty door hinges. You dont need the hinge to be the entire length to be effective.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_120096-1277-V1751_0__?productId=3167577&Ntt=door+hinge&pl=1¤tURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Ddoor%2Bhinge&facetInfo= (http://www.lowes.com/pd_120096-1277-V1751_0__?productId=3167577&Ntt=door+hinge&pl=1¤tURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Ddoor%2Bhinge&facetInfo=)
just an example but there should be tons of black ones available.
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An angle grinder is one of the few tools where it can be as cheap as you can get it and still do the job just fine. I wouldn't wish a cheap hacksaw on my worst enemy.
Now, those harbor freight cut off wheels will fly apart if you lean on them while grinding. wear safety glasses. and gloves. and pants. just sayin'.
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The one I saw looked exactly like the flimsy I already have and do not like
I will try and take a photo and post it
Also at home depot they are like 45inche long. Mine is cut but gets all messed up
Thanks for the reply
Home depot doesn't carry the right size? I know they have 4 or 5 different sizes at home depot.
A piano hinge should feel flimsy. They get their rigidness from the wood they attach to and being very long. They are flimsy so you can get a nice flush seal without having to do heavy routing on the wood.
Double check your home depot. Maybe Texas is better than all you kids, cause ours carries piano hinges in bronze/silver from around 6 feet to 3 feet to 2 feet to 1 foot to something else probably, can't remember.
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Of course, buying the HF angle grinder may as well be considered a disposable tool. You're just as likely to get one DOA as one that works.
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I am pretty pleased with my cheapo angle grinder. I can't remember if I bought it from Harbor Freight or Menards, but it was only $8. It's already on it's 4th year and running fine. I probably put at least a dozen (quality) cutting discs and a couple grinding discs through it as well.
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What do you want to hinge?
IME Kitchen hinges are always easier to use and hide than those crap piano hinges.
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This is the hinge that i have. I tried to round the sharp corners with some cutting shears. Maybe I will paint it black and give it a shot. The Hinge wouldn't be scene unless you are 2 foot tall or less or looking under the table. Plus the part where the hinge is going is going to be against the big giant window.
(http://extendedplayarcade.com/mamecocktail/hingeW.jpg)
I would just hate to loose points for a hinge oh wait this isn't a contest. :cheers:
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Don't need an angle grinder. A hacksaw will do the job just as well and costs a whole lot less.
This is true, but the grinder's way more fun!
I've been looking for piano hing replacements for my Williams(Joust & Robotron) control panels and have yet to find any with the same spacing for the bolt holes.
Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.
What's the spacing of the bolt holes and how wide is the hinge when laid open? Might have a few ideas for sources.
There are five bolt holes and the distance between them is 5-9/16". And when open the hinges are two inches wide.
Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.
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With that grinder, be sure to pick of a pair of these too.
(http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/370x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_3967.jpg)
Makes em much for pleasant to work with :)
If you spray it, hit it with a little steel wool first, then a quick coat of primer, then the black. That should hold up the best, though it sounds like it won't get abused that badly.
I did find this, but it's crazy expensive.
http://www.architecturaldepot.com/20708100.html (http://www.architecturaldepot.com/20708100.html)
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Stop being cheap and go get an angle grinder from Harbor Freight.
I go to Harbor Freight because I'm cheap
what about this http://www.made-in-china.com/showroom/monica2005/product-detailqoVmjkXuLHcM/China-Heavy-Duty-Continuous-Hinge.html (http://www.made-in-china.com/showroom/monica2005/product-detailqoVmjkXuLHcM/China-Heavy-Duty-Continuous-Hinge.html)
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With that grinder, be sure to pick of a pair of these too.
+100
I recently cut up the drums to a washer and dryer to make myself a firepit using an angle grinder. Man was that loud! The drums amplified it, too. You could hear it hundreds of yards away.
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@dharris: It's an odd spacing. your best bet will be to find hinges with no holes in the leaves and drill them yourself to match the panel bolts.
a real hardware store like Ace will be able to order no holes hinges, or you can order from mcmaster carr.
McMaster piano hinge catalog page (http://www.mcmaster.com/#piano-hinges/=dlsfsg)
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@dharris: It's an odd spacing. your best bet will be to find hinges with no holes in the leaves and drill them yourself to match the panel bolts.
a real hardware store like Ace will be able to order no holes hinges, or you can order from mcmaster carr.
McMaster piano hinge catalog page (http://www.mcmaster.com/#piano-hinges/=dlsfsg)
I had no luck at Ace hardware, and I always prefer to pick up rather than have these things shipped.
Nevertheless, Williams was not consistent on what hinges they uses, so I'm guessing that either one of these would work from McMaster-Carr: #11785A16 and #11555A24
Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.