Replies

1. 
   NickNukeEm | Jun 14, 2003 01:44am | #1

   As a suggestion, use butler tray hinges.  See the Rockler catalog.  These are flat brass hinges that are inset into both parts of the top, so the hinge is flat with the surface of the bar top.  It requires using either a router or some careful chisel work, but it should look sweet when you're done.  (Butler tray hinges only swing 90 degrees, so if you're looking to flip the top back 180 degrees, you'll need a different solution.)

   Rockler also sells a flush brass twin-pin hinge that might be more of what you're looking for.  Again, some router and/or chisel work required, but when you're done, friends will be admiring the hinges, not the bar maid.

   Gotta admit, though, I've never made a bar top, with or without a flip top. 

   I never met a tool I didn't like!
2. 
   jocobe | Jun 14, 2003 02:06am | #2

   You could use butler table hinges (actually Soss Hinges) but they're only as good as the substrate they are mortised into.

   I suggest when you make the core for the bar, the ends that hinge, should be made of solid wood.....not plywood or flakeboard......then laminate over it.  The flip up door should be made as a hollow core door.  The perimeter of the core is solid wood (pine) and a skin of 1/4" luan...top and bottom.  Laminate phenolic backer (brown laminate) to the bottom of the door first.  Then laminate the edges with formica...then the top last.  It would be a lot simpler using a piano hinge.....the screws will anchor into the solid wood beneath the laminate....not flakeboard.  Mortising Soss hinges into a laminated edge will require a router and a template.....it's also a stepped hole (2 different depths in same hole....a shoulder)  It's gonna be a nightmare...cause if you screw up you'll be making the door over again.  This type of laminate work is not forgiving.

   jocobe

1. 
   TRIGGER | Jun 14, 2003 11:45pm | #3

   What about a HC door? Your idea of making it light weight will solve lots of problems. I have a template for sosses, but the butler hinges do look cool and I can thru bolt them, maby. It has to look decent when its open too.