CYLINDER MAKING #4: Wooden Hinge for Cylinder... Is it possible?

The hardest challenge in this series is to make the WOODEN HINGE for a cylinder side. The difficulty of the curve fitting and the alignment of the pin to cater the correct pivot.

LID PART . The lid being the one that is on top will take the whole arc that will be close to the outermost part and length will just be enough to hold the post on each end. This must be tangent to the circumference and must be at right angle (at first only so as to route the slot that will hold the pin). You may ask how I cut the arc on the ebony to fit the curve side… coping saw, then file, spokeshave and sander. Nothing best but carve into shape.

THE MAIN POST. The plan is to have a vertical post that will run through the length of the main cylinder (the bottom part). This will provide full strength. However, I am testing the sides (made from bamboo skewers and a thin veneer) whether it can hold the lid. Though the lipping is strong, I am still having a reservation that pinned hinge to the sides will be forced by accidentally opening the lid at quick motion. There is also an alternative to fit transverse to support the end posts together. I have not decided yet. Here is what it is until today. I have to wait for the glue to cure on the lid.

Please note that I am using real black ebony (KAMAGONG) the best and very strong. It highlights the design too.

You can see the fitting of the right angled hinge. I have to be very accurate

This is how it will fit on the circular arc… the secret is grinding with a dremel and portable sander.

I think gluing the ebony will be easy to clamp but I will do it later. A lot of question still in the process.

1. How will I make the slot… it must not be through?
2. How will I attach the post and make the pin hole or slot for the pin? Which is the best?

TO TAKE A BREAK, HERE ARE SOME TEASERS FOR YOU. I was playing with some of my boards and cut them into pieces in my circular cutting jig using a router bit (1/8 spiral bit courtesy of Rand) and here are some designs to go.

And here are some of new rounds… I will blog this later when I will blog my circular jig…

Till then hope I can finish it this coming weekend…

God bless,

-- Bert