My brother has asked me to build a couple cases for a pair of commemorative rifles. Approximate dimensions are 50" long, 8" deep and 8" wide. Material will be 5/8" mesquite for one. The other, also 5/8", species TBD. 

Not sure yet, of the construction details for either lid. Maybe raised panels. But, the cases will be built as an enclosed box and the lid will be separated afterwards. 

I'm in a quandary about hinges. Simplest would be stopped piano hinges. I could make wood hinges, but there'd be no stop. Don't want a lid stay for various reasons. Considered quadrant hinges but I think the box is too long and they might rack. Same with similar designs. Leaning towards three or four butt hinges, if I can find any that are stopped, well, maybe only two need to be stopped, more heavy duty than the typical blister packed junk and, solid brass.

Y'all's thoughts and advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

 

What time period are the rifles from Gene?

21 minutes ago, John Morris said:

What time period are the rifles from Gene?

They are new Winchester lever action 30-30s. I've searched the box they came in and can't find a mention of what time period they represent. They are very nice with figured walnut stocks and some engraved gold plating. They are in velvet sacks. I just opened one enough to peek at the piece without touching it. When it comes time for the fitting, I'll need vinyl gloves. Don't want any possibility of lasting fingerprints.

Take a look her for hinges and more hinges...

 

build a stop into the lid...

 

conceal the hinge...

 

pin the flange if necessary...

you can use any length piano hinge you wish...

this lid is a magnetic closure..

 

 

 

When I built a shotgun case for a friend (who still has not put a finish on it), I used raised panel for the top. I wanted to use a piano hinge because of the thinner material but the owner did't like that style. As for stopped hinges, if the box itself isn't very heavy, it might tip backwards when the rifle is removed. Might be better to have the lid open a full 180° to prevent that from happening.

 

There are some images of what I made at- http://thepatriotwoodworker.com/blogs/blog/5-building-a-walnut-shotgun-case/

Edited March 8, 20179 yr by lew

24 minutes ago, Gene Howe said:

I'll need vinyl gloves.

 

PLEASE!!! NO!!!

use soft white cotton gloves...

6 minutes ago, lew said:

if the box itself isn't very heavy,

 

weight the front...

Gene, if I were building this, I would stay away from hinges period. And install a raised panel sliding lid. 

48 minutes ago, Stick486 said:

 

PLEASE!!! NO!!!

use soft white cotton gloves...

Thanks Stick. Will do.

 

52 minutes ago, lew said:

When I built a shotgun case for a friend (who still has not put a finish on it), I used raised panel for the top. I wanted to use a piano hinge because of the thinner material but the owner did't like that style. As for stopped hinges, if the box itself isn't very heavy, it might tip backwards when the rifle is removed. Might be better to have the lid open a full 180° to prevent that from happening.

 

There are some images of what I made at- http://thepatriotwoodworker.com/blogs/blog/5-building-a-walnut-shotgun-case/

Thanks, Lew. Great blog. You've convinced me to do the raised panel. 

 

28 minutes ago, John Morris said:

Gene, if I were building this, I would stay away from hinges period. And install a raised panel sliding lid. 

Thanks John but, bro. Wants a hinged lid so it can be left open for display.

How about a loose lid that could be removed for display but then set over the top of the box and then latched in place so it does not come off?

Might see some hinges here.

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=box+hinges&t=ha&iax=1&ia=images

 

Here is my choice: You could add a couple of intermediate butt hinges too.

Herb

Edited March 8, 20179 yr by Dadio

6 hours ago, Gene Howe said:

Y'all's thoughts and advice would be much appreciated.

Send me the rifles and I'll build my own cases...Problem solved for you both with minimal stress.  I'll even kick in the shipping charges.

Something like this for intermediate hinges, I think they are hold open type.

 What kind of latches, locking,snap lock,rotating hooks, trunk style? plus a handle?

 

You are going to have to take out a mortgage just for the hardware,Gene.

Herb

Edited March 8, 20179 yr by Dadio

1 hour ago, Grandpadave52 said:

Send me the rifles and I'll build my own cases...Problem solved for you both with minimal stress.  I'll even kick in the shipping charges.

Dave,

You are always so helpful, thinking OUTSIDE of the box (pun intended)

7 minutes ago, Chips N Dust said:

Dave,

You are always so helpful, thinking OUTSIDE of the box (pun intended)

Just trying to help best way I can; that's what friends do...I'll even buy the ammo for them... I envision my display case with quick release lid..just sayin'

Edited March 8, 20179 yr by Grandpadave52

Herb, great minds think alike. I'm pretty sure the Brusso quadrant hinges and those butts of theirs is the way to go. 

No handles and no locks or latches, per request.

 

Many thanks to you all for your suggestions. 

 

2 hours ago, Grandpadave52 said:

Send me the rifles and I'll build my own cases...Problem solved for you both with minimal stress.  I'll even kick in the shipping charges.

Thanks loads, Dave. Somehow, I can't imagine my brother going along with it, though.

two lids:

 

one of glass, so they don't get dusty, and solid one to hide things.  

 

1 hour ago, Gene Howe said:

Herb, great minds think alike. I'm pretty sure the Brusso quadrant hinges and those butts of theirs is the way to go. 

No handles and no locks or latches, per request.

 

Many thanks to you all for your suggestions. 

 

Thanks loads, Dave. Somehow, I can't imagine my brother going along with it, though.

I think this one would work too.

Herb

I looked at those, too. I think the quadrants and butts will still be my choice. They're a good bit more difficult to install but, Hey, I love a challenge. Rockler has a jig and a correctly sized bit. More toys. 

Hardware hunt planning has commenced. A trip to Phoenix is scheduled for tomorrow...Saturday. Gotta see and touch my hinge choices. Just not comfortable ordering something, with which I've no experience, without doing that. Especially, at Brusso prices.

One of the few inconveniences of living in remote areas like we do, is the lack of immediate access to quality merchandise. 

I didn't agonize as much over my first Shopsmith purchase.