Custom Center Console Hidden Hinges

[levines1]

Hey yall, new member here. Working on a center console for my truck. id love to have it as seamless and smooth as possible. I have questions regarding the type of hinges for the purpose in my situation. Below are two pictures on the possible ways I want it to open, the first being so me being the driver have access. The second would give both. My ideal lid would be seamless with the curve of the wood and hinges not be seen. Let me know if theres a different forum for this. Thanks yall, God Bless!

[Danl]

I would consider using a piano hinge.    Danl

[John Morris]

Howdy @levines1, Well, lets talk about what kind of material you are using to build this console, nice design by the way! So are you using half inch, three quarter thick wood? Cuz that will suggest the type of hinge to use as well. For a concealed hinge, there are a few options but they would depend on material thickness, any more information would be good, thanks!

[lew]

The piano hinge would work well for the top example as it could be completely concealed when closed. 

 

The bottom picture is more problematic if the hinge is to be completely concealed. The hinge barrel would probably have to be exposed in the area marked

 

These hinges may be something that will work-

https://www.soss.com/product-category/invisible-hinge/soss-invisible-hinge/

 

Here's the link to the Sketchup Warehouse Soss hinge models

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/search/models?q=soss+hinge&order=relevance&direction=desc

 

 

Another thought might be using barrel hinges

 

https://www.hardwaresource.com/soss-concealed-barrel-hinge.html

 

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/5ce94a64-93f3-4c74-9245-4eaa6c254a6b/Concealed-Hinge-Brass-16mm

 

 

[Larry Buskirk]

First off Welcome to the site. 

 Can't get much more hidden than, ...

Lee Valley Hidden Hinge Pins - Lee Valley Tools

https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/hardware/hinges/small-box/72734-lee-valley-hidden-hinge-pins

Edited February 8, 2024 by Larry Buskirk

[lew]

1 minute ago, Larry Buskirk said:

First off Welcome to the site. 

 Can't get much more hidden than, ...

Lee Valley Hidden Hinge Pins - Lee Valley Tools

Great idea, Larry!!

[DAB]

the thinner the stock, the less material there is for screws to hang onto.

 

i made these "gun dump boxes" last year, and the lower section is 1/2 plywood, and needed to be hinged somehow for use and storage.  ended up using some 2" wide webbing to create the "hinge".  screwed to the frame (2x4 stock), and looped thru some holes.

[DAB]

i'd imagine that resting your elbow on wood would get tiresome over time, so i'd be looking at some way to soften or pad that top a bit.  maybe 1/2 of foam with some nice leather over it.

 

i understand the hidden hinge aspect, but comfort and function should not be ignored.  in a large truck, weight is not really an issue, what's another 20 pounds of lumber?  so don't get so thin that the lumber cannot support the ultimate use of the console.

[DAB]

taking another look at the sketch, all those sharp corners give me the "heebie-jeebies", the last thing you want is sharp corners and edges, which are a good way to need a first aid kid once the road gets bumpy.

 

round, round and soft, something you won't mind banging your elbow against  down the road.

[Grandpadave52]

Welcome to The Patriot Woodworker @levines1. Great to have you join us. Greatly appreciate the Sketchup depictions of your proposed project. Always helpful.

That said, I don't have anything really to add to what has already been suggested. As mentioned, knowing the thickness and type of material you plan to use would be helpful. Also as @DABnoted, I'd certainly consider both softening all the sharp edges and adding some cushion to the lid.

 

Looking forward to following your project along. It appears you also have plans to incorporate a speaker so assuming you plan some type of covering for it as well or at least a grill cover.

[levines1]

Yes the top will be curved like the bottom. I do already plan on using the Lee valley hinge pins for the top as well! How'd you all know lol!! And yes padding on top and speaker. If interested I can put more prints on. Especially exposed one to show the interior walls/divides. But over all vote the top picture would be better? Also thank you for the thickness. I made a prototype out of I believe 1/2. Learned alot. Maybe something thicker? Thanks yall. 

[Grandpadave52]

7 minutes ago, levines1 said:

Yes the top will be curved like the bottom. I do already plan on using the Lee valley hinge pins for the top as well! How'd you all know lol!! And yes padding on top and speaker. If interested I can put more prints on. Especially exposed one to show the interior walls/divides. But over all vote the top picture would be better? Also thank you for the thickness. I made a prototype out of I believe 1/2. Learned alot. Maybe something thicker? Thanks yall. 

Looking forward to seeing project progess pictures. Don't hesitate to ask questions as you go or about the site. Great group of folks here.

[Cal]

Welcome aboard @levines1, glad to have you here.  Looking forward to the progress pics also.

[Larry Buskirk]

I myself would go with the bottom picture where the lid hinges toward the back.

If you place the hinge pins a little forward of the arrow in Lew's post the lid would rest against the back upper portion without having to hold it open.

 

 Guess that's my $ .04 worth?