Recommendation for heavy lid lift mechanism?

[chstrf_671]

I just got my first paying client and while it's someone I know from my personal circle, the pressure feels different. I'm building a built-in bench with a storage chest. It would be about 5' long and 20" deep, but the top would be a single 2" thick slab of walnut they got from their family farm.

My client is requesting to keep the top clean, with no visible hardware, so I'm trying to avoid cutting the slab and using standard hinges. I'm looking for a lift mechanism similar to a gas-piston bed lift system that would allow the lid to open and stay open on its own. The problem is that everything I find is either too big for a bed or too flimsy for a heavy lid. I need a mechanism about 15" long that can handle significant weight.

Has anyone seen a similar mechanism in a smaller size? Or do you have any ideas for a different approach that would achieve the same clean look? I wouldn't really want to mess this up, so any suggestions would be a huge help!

 

[Omashu]

Congrats on your first paying client! For that heavy walnut lid, try heavy-duty short gas struts or strong torsion hinges, you can check specialty woodworking suppliers, they have compact hardware built for clean, hidden, weight-rated support

 

[dbaker_05]

Nice job landing your first client! Some brands have small gas lifts or hinges that stay out of sight but still hold strong. Just make sure they can handle the weight and fit the right angle. No need to cut the wood, and it'll still look clean!

 

[guacam0le]

I use hinges from Rockler for built-in benches and they compensate by using more than one hinge. Maybe you compensate by using multiple hinges? Just a thought. Congratulation on your new client.

 

[superclar3ndon]

That's exciting! I worked on a toy box in my LA garage last fall with a heavy oak lid. I used Apexstone 15" gas struts (300N). They're small but strong and help the lid stay open without showing hardware. Just use two so it lifts evenly.

 

[glenn_jacobs]

Congrats! If gas struts seem bulky, try counterbalanced torsion hinges, like those in piano benches. Theyre invisible and can be tweaked for the lid's weight, but they need careful setup and might not keep the lid open alone.