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I enjoyed your article “Mortising Perfect-fit Box Hinges” in issue 274. When I made a small jewelry box similar to the one in your article, though, I wanted the lid to stop in the vertical position rather than opening out flat at 180°. I know you can buy specialty hinges for this, but instead I chamfered to 45° the back edges of the box base and lid, as shown at left. Then, I installed the hinge with the barrel centered on the inner edge of the chamfer.

When the lid is opened, the chamfered edge of the lid rests on the chamfered edge of the box and prevents the lid from opening beyond the upright position. With this design, I find the box easier to use and it requires less space—very handy on a small dresser or dressing table. —Kevin Goosman

Solihull, England