Installing hinges.

[clintw1]

Now I know this question may seem vague, but here goes. I am completing a humidor that I have built and I have purchased brass hinges that have the support built into them. The hinge is "L" shaped and is being attached to 1/2 stock within a mortise. The problem that I am having is that I can't seem to get the hinges attached to the box strait and square. Every time I have tried to mark my holes and pre-drill, I seem to get off a little because when I attach the hinges the lid does not want to close properly. We all know how tightly a humidor lid fits, so there is very little tolerance. My question is this: do any of you guys know of any easy tricks for laying-out and attaching hinges to a small project like this. I need a good method to setting the hinges square and driving the screws so that the hinge stays square while I attach the hinge. If this is a stupid question, I am sorry. But these hinges are driving me crazy. Thanks.

[BradTheDog]

the best method for drilling hinge holes is to tape or hot glue it in place then use a self centering bit. Self centering bits are hard to find at most retail stores but are readily available at better woodworking stores, harbor freight and online. HF has the best deal for less than $7.00 they have 3 sizes that fit all the standard 1/4 inch speedlocks and the bits are removable via a set screw so they can be sharpened or replaced. The next best deal is the instydrive system available from rockler. Of the two the cits are equal but I prefer the rockler because I have 4 sizes and they are interchangeable with the insty-drive system which I really like. The down side of the rockler system is kind of expensive.