Replies

1. 
   Hudson Valley Carpenter | Sep 29, 2008 08:27am | #1

   I've used magnetic catches instead of hinges to hide openings.  Tiled access door for hidden spa pump in a master bath, as an example.  Allows for a very snug fit.

2. 
   gordsco | Sep 29, 2008 08:31am | #2

    Would not clear the redwood on the leading edge or the hinge side?

    

    

1. 
   Sirworksalot | Sep 29, 2008 09:11am | #3

   The hinge side.

1. 
   gordsco | Sep 30, 2008 06:58am | #11

   I've done what you are attempting.

   I used a solid core door and some large SOSS hinges. I forget the exact size but they were intended for an 1 3/4" door. Installed, it swung cleanly over  3/4" V-Groove pine. It was a while ago, but I'm sure I paid $160 for the hinges.

   I hid the gaps in the V-groove pattern. Meaning I didn't install all of the T&G super tight, there were gaps here and there, like the material had shrunk.

   The latch was electric (the kind they buzz you in apartments) push a hidden button under a shelf across the room and the door would spring open slightly. Behind the door was a concrete vault that had an actual Bank cage.

    

     

1. 
   Sirworksalot | Sep 30, 2008 08:39am | #12

   Thanks.  I to used very large Soss hinges, but installing them in the door frame behind the tand g redwood ruined all the clearance I should have had.  It might woor if I could mount the Soss hinges very close to the front of the t and g material.  But that is hard to moiunt anything to  in a solid manner.

1. 
   gordsco | Oct 01, 2008 03:59am | #14

   Does the door have to swing out?

   An inswinging door is much easier. 

2. 
   popawheelie | Sep 29, 2008 10:47pm | #10

   Gary Katz did a hidden bookcase that you might like to look at. Here's the link.

   http://www.garymkatz.com/TrimTechniques/hidden_pivot_bookcase_install.htm

3. 
   DanH | Sep 29, 2008 01:54pm | #4

   Either Soss hinges or cup hinges. You gotta figure out how to get the hinges mounted closer to the front surface.

   There is no absurdity that human beings will not resort to in order to defend another absurdity. -- Cicero
4. 
   sledgehammer | Sep 29, 2008 02:17pm | #5

   Instead of hinge, can the door pivot on a pin?

5. 
   Piffin | Sep 29, 2008 02:29pm | #6

   a door like this must be fully planned before beginning to build it. Including hardware selection.

   There are many sizes of large SOSS hinges . Did you search their catalouge or just try what you see on the shelf?

   You can use advanced search here for hidden door and for pivot hinge to find threads on this subject.

    

    

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6. 
   mike_maines | Sep 29, 2008 07:29pm | #7

   I've done it with these:

   http://www.hardwaresource.com/Store_ViewProducts.asp?Cat=447

   They are a bit on the lightweight side, but they were adjustable and truly hidden. 

7. 
   doorboy | Sep 29, 2008 08:20pm | #8

   Rixson offset pivots. Works every time.
8. 
   florida | Sep 29, 2008 10:43pm | #9

   Here you go

   http://tinyurl.com/3z89kf

9. 
   sawdust58 | Oct 01, 2008 02:45am | #13

   have you investigated a Rickson (sp) hinge. Used them on an Extreme Makeover Home Edition project to operate rotating bookcases. Ball bearings top and bottom with a hidden pin in the top that is raised with a screw mechanism to snag the top bearing. Finger tip movement for any weight door. Not cheap about $250 a set

1. 
   Sirworksalot | Oct 01, 2008 06:47am | #16

   Thanks for the tip..  I looked up the product on line and saw how it could work.  This secret door starts about 34 inches off the ground above the concrete foundation.  Certain clearances would limit such a device.

10. 
    MikeCallahan | Oct 01, 2008 04:56am | #15

    I have hung several hidden doors with the SOSS hinges. The trick is to use a custom jig that accounts for the thickness of the paneling. A fence on the jig aligns with the outside. The SOSS hinge will fully open if the paneling is no more than 3/16 ths of an inch from the face of the door. There is a lot of precise measuring and the project is very time consuming. Here is a photo of a recent project. The door with the Soss hinges is on the same wall but it is closed. The small block of wood that is the temporary handle is lower left. The hidden door that is open with the standard hinges that swings in is hung on a thin strip of hardwood to give clearance for the hinges.

    [IMG]http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g95/mycijor/Work/HiddenDoor.jpg%5B/IMG]

    Mike Callahan, Lake Tahoe, Ca.

    Edited to link to the photo...

    http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g95/mycijor/Work/HiddenDoor.jpg

    
    

    ---

    Edited 9/30/2008 10:04 pm by MikeCallahan