I’m building a face-frame vanity cabinet, and could use some help: First, do any of you know of a good resource (on-line or book) that gives a good explanation on installing euro hinges on face-frame construction?
Second, I wanted to price some pre-made drawer fronts and doors, and I understand there are several manufacturers that sell them. I might build them myself, but I’m kind of slow, so purchasing might be a better option. Are there any of these door makers you’d recommend?
Thanks.
Replies
I bought some cup hinges from Rockler Hardware that came with all instructions and even a jig. I think you can but the jig kit seperately, if you already have your hinges. The hinges were very easy to install. Rockler might even sell draw fronts.
Yes there are many manufacturers that supply cabinet doors and drawer fronts if you don't want to make them yourself. You can check through Fine Homebuilding or Fine Woodworking and buy from their advertisers, not a bad way to help out paying for this website.
Try posting over at "Knots" , the FWW site. Those guys will probably have a lot of perspective.
MD
Check out the Lee Valley website they often have installation innstructions along with the hardware. Rik
Ther are many dorr companies through out the US. One on the west coast is Decorative Specialties in Irwindale, Ca. Check your local lumer/hardware company. Some will order from a larger manufacture. Or even try a local kithcen design company. I prefer Blum Hinges. Buy a 35mm carbke "forstner" type bit . You ussually drill somewhere around 23 1/2mm to the center from the edge. Buy the clip on type hinge that is a 7/8" overlayhing witha 125 degree swing. Buy a face frame clip on hinge plate that is 6mm. Thes a re approximations of hinge drilling distanses, so you will need to experiment alittle. I suggest you buy the smallest drawer front as possible as a extra. This gives you a chance to experiment with different combinations. Before you buy hardware, try to find it locally, it will save you alot of grief if you don't get the right stuff the first time. By the way, "Blum is my preferred brand of hinges, but others are good. I just don't want to get in a pissing match with someone on whether there brand is better than mine. Ihave used Grass, Hettich, Mepla, Salice, Ferarri and to many others to remember. If given a choice, i Would use the first 4 listed above before any others. Again, just my $.02 . Enjoy.
fyi
bobl Volo Non Voleo
Blum is good, so is Hettich. More adjustments are better, too (slots instead of holes; 6-way screw adjustments; etc.) The trickiest part is knowing what overlay you want for the door/drawer and the face frame. Picking a "standard" (like 1/2" or 3/8") overlay will help immeasurably. You will want to spend some time in the catalogs (or on line), since the hinges have to "reach around" the face frame, they sometimes have swing limitations (90° or 100° hinges can be a pain). Knowing the hardware will help build the cabinets, too. If the hinges have to be 1/8 from the edge of the stile, you may need a panel or insert if your endstile is milled to give a 1/2" reveal.
The cabinet shop I used to work in had a 3/4" overlay euro clip hinge. They called it the "grasshopper" in the shop (it was about 4 1/2" long, and almost 2" wide, and seemed to have more articulations than the boom on a backhoe). Worked very nice. Had to be careful ordering them, though, they were around $4 each ($8 the pair), wholesale, in lots of 10.
For all my door & drawer needs I go to WalzCraft in LaCrosse WI. Check them out at http://www.walzcraft.com or call them at 1-800-237-1326. Ive been using them for years with great results. Very high end qaulity & affordable prices. Their catalog keeps getting bigger with expanded product line & their customer service reps are 2nd. to none.
Good luck with your project.
Just to second what CarpenterPJE, have used Walzcraft for several jobs and never been disapointed.
Doug
I forgot to add one thing. If you are doing doors with or without finger pulls the type/style/model of hinge will vary. Just be careful with the ones you get. There is no "one size fits all" hinge