Sawduster

I'm probably asking for a miracle but is there a trick to lining up small brass hinges on a wooden box? These things have me climbing the walls! The hinges are 1-1/2" wide and I've cut mortises into the box and the lid. The #3 screws have to be precisely located for the lid to fit properly and I'm having no luck at all with it. HELP!!

Rob

How does the lid fit on the box? Does it overhang on the back or is it flush with the back?
I have used double sided tape in the past when the lid hangs over. I'll mortise the box base first and attach. Then put some tape on the hinge for the lid...line it up and press hard so it stays put. Once that is done, you can install the screws to keep it aligned, then trace the outline of the hinge with a razor...take hinge off and mortise to the lines.
I always use the same size screw in steel to make the threaded hole then replace with the brass one when the box is finished. The less times you can screw and unscrew a brass screw, the better off you are.

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johnv51

Here is a link to a #3 self centering hinge bit.

http://www.generaltools.com/Products...ews)__291.aspx

I usually tape the hinge where I want it then use a self centering bit to drill the screw holes.

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