After seeing how to make the parts of this cabinet, it’s time to install a door opening system. Since it’s a long door, we need to decide whether it should open upwards or downwards. The first time I made a display cabinet like this, I didn’t want to use hinges that would either detract from the cabinet’s appearance or take away its prominence. Additionally, since this small cabinet is meant to hang on the wall, I didn’t want a door that opens downwards and hangs horizontally from chains, obstructing access to the shelves. And if it opened upwards, I would need bulky hinges, such as flap or retaining hinges, to keep the door open.
The best solution I found was to install a door that, once opened, can slide into the cabinet, a retractable door style.
It’s a system that always grabs attention when I show it to someone, and the result is a display cabinet that doesn’t look distorted when the door is open, as the door is half-hidden inside the cabinet, maintaining its original volume.
I believe the result is a display cabinet for collectors that looks just as good with the door open as it does closed.
Since cutting rabbets and fitting hinges has never been something I particularly enjoyed, in this case, I didn’t need to buy and install real hinges. Instead, I decided to create an integrated system by routing grooves in which small pins inserted into each side of the door can slide.
For the pins, I use hex bolts with their heads cut off using a hacksaw. To do the routing, I use a typical DIY router guided by its side guide, and for the cutting tool, I use a cheap 6mm straight bit. Using a centering tool, I mark the position for the pins on the door and drill the holes using a drill press.
Everything about how to make this small wooden cabinet