Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: crashwg on March 17, 2004, 07:24:38 am
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I'm looking to put a black piano hinge on the back my cab and underneath the CP but am unsure of what size I will need. I've checked www.mcmaster.com (search "piano hinge") and found black piano hinges, but there are so many sizes I don't know what I need.
The back door is
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This part of the project really isn't rocket science. It all depends on how/where you are going to fasten the hinge, thickness of the wood you are using, etc.
McMaster-Carr is a great source, but Lowes is closer and has better shipping rates.
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I went to home depot got the 1/2" tight clearance and it worked well--just pre drill all your holes the same dia. as the shank of your screw (the screw width minus the threads) I just hold up the drill bit against the screw until you see nothing but threads on either side.
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It may be cheaper for you to just run down to your local hardware store and buy the piano hinge of a length longer than you need and just cut it to the length you need with a saws all or a hacksaw. They you can just paint it black with some spray paint.
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I used one of the long standard hinges that Home Depot had. I just cut it to size with a jigsaw & a metal cutting blade. Took like 20 seconds. I pre drilled all the holes for the screws and screwed them in. Haven't had a problem with it..
--NipsMG
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I realy want the black hinge though, and homedepot doesn't cary it. I know I can paint it, but it always seems to come off. I'm looking for something that will last a long time withought haveing to be touched up.
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Check out Rockler or Woodcraft. I was just in Woodcraft and saw them about an hour ago. I don't know if they have a store in your town, but go to their websites and check out retail locations in your area.
I'd also recommend the "hold drill bit up, match shank size to drill bit size, predrill" routine. Also, a straight-shanked screw is better suited for MDF, but I don't know if they're readily available in the shorty piano hinge size. A tapered-shank screw (such as a drywall screw) acts as a wedge and assists in splitting.
I KNOW it seems counterintuitive to use a straight shanked screw, but it's what EVERY decent old-timer woodworker recommends, it's all I'VE ever used, and I've SEEN it in practice. As long as you use the proper drill bit, it's the best way to go.
Two other things: clamping a piece of wood (such as a 2x4) to both sides before screwing into it will give you a little added support if you've already gotten pissed @ splits happening. Second, go find a glue called Gorilla Glue. Use no other type. After you predrill your holes, put ONE drop of this glue into the hole. DO NOT LOAD UP THE HOLE. This glue will foam out slightly from the top of the hole...as MDF is quite porous, it should also help keep any splitting that MAY occur isolated to that area and strengthen the fibers in that area.
Good luck.