Stained Glass Box Hinge Problem

by Pooja
(New Delhi, India)

I was making stained glass boxes and the problem I faced was that I could not fix brass hinges to make the top of the box workable.
Whenever I fix a hinge there is a big gap in between the lid and the box walls.
I have tried many times but it does not come out neat... can you help please.

Milly's reply: Thanks for your question Pooja. Am I right in assuming that the four sides of your stained glass box are absolutely accurately cut and soldered before you start with the lid?
If so, it's best to tape the lid onto the box to hold it in place. If you're using a hinge that's like a tiny door hinge, open it right out so it folds in on itself and put some flux on both sides of the hinge. Don't get any on the knuckle!
Soldering it on is the hard bit - try putting a bit of stained glass solder on your iron, and introducing it to the hinge like that. It should be as straight as possible. Then do the lid side. Then repeat for the second hinge.
Take the tape off and check the gap. I hope this helps. You could always try holding the hinge with tweezers - it's all very fiddly! Good luck.

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