Thread: to edge or not to edge...

Originally Posted by Redback

I am thinking I will get some of those full length hinges (ie will run the whole length of the table).

My question is, is the melamime and chipboard going to be strong enough to support and hold the weight of the side panels while it is in the down position? or should I edge the melamine in a hardwood and glue and screw this with 50mm screws and then attach the hinges to the hardwood?

Piano hinges (those full length hinges) will hold the static weight alright, but methinks your gut instinct is on the right track just the same. As it's to be a working table I'd be inclined to add the edging just to make sure it's not a problem.

If 'twere to be more decorative I'd suggest different hinges and a slightly different construction that "hides" the top of the flaps when they're in the down position, but that's a whole other thread in itself...

I tend to agree with skewchidamn , the screws for piano hinges are quite narrow gauge and could pull out of the chipboard fairly easily imho . Maybe better to edge it as you suggested with some hardwood and screw the hinges into that . Another option might be the standard melamine specific ( Euro ?) hinges . That is an option I would consider .
Regards
Rick

My suggestion:

I would 'frame' each piece of melamine in the pine as you say.

Then I would join the flaps with the piano hinge on the bottom, to achieve a flat top. Something like this:

Gidday Redback

If your keen enough theres always a way. I think Epoxy is the Answer & would get onto something like a west system EPoxy.

I
had success reinforcing Melamine and Mdf with whats basically an epoxy Banding (See Pic)

I'd do something similar to this (ensuring its flat). I'd pre-drill holes for some piano Hinge (Oversize) then fill with Epoxy. Its critical to let the Epoxy cure don't touch it for a week.

After this i'd pre drill with a small diameter drill bit in the epoxy wells then drive in some good quality chipboard screws. You might be pleasantly suprised how well this works Redback.

I've done something similar with hanging a door that was doing some serious floor scraping with seasonal movement...............havent had a problem since & the hinges arn't even morticed. This was done with a lower strength 5 min Epoxy.

....................Might be worth a go!!!!!

Thanks guys,

Gazza, yeah thats what I had basically decided, nice drawing though
what did you use?

The epoxy idea sounds interesting, certainly something to think about.

Again thanks for the feedback

Redback

Originally Posted by Redback

.....nice drawing though what did you use?...

Just Microsoft Paint dude

So where are the piccies of the birthday jewellery box for your better half?

made my first training box out of pine over the weekend. Not too impressed with my first effort, so certainly not posting it. Might need to do a couple more before I try it on that banksia, camphor, teak etc that I have planned to use!.

Decided to splash out a buy a set of box cutting bits from Gifkins. I can justify the expense to the missus because its to make her something
(of course she can't know about them till after her birthday!)

Hopefully they will turn up today for a feast of box making over the weekend.

cheers

Redders