Step 9 - Installing Hardware
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I start hardware installation with the piano hinge for the lid. I cut that to length with a hack saw and mount it temporarily with just three screws. I will complete the installation when we mount the lid.
 For this bench/chest I am using a clever spring loaded lid support device that holds the lid down, helps to open it easily, and holds the lid open while you are working with the contents of the chest. Mounting these supports so they work properly requires exacting placement, and is somewhat complictaed by the fact that they were designed for use on a chest where the lid would be hinged so that when the lid is lifted the front face (bottom) of the lid ends up in the same plane as the back of the chest. All mounting measurements are taken from this assumption. Since the bench has a high back, the lid must remain in front of the back of the chest/bench, so the mounting of these lifts must be adjusted to compensate. Had I simply followed the directions, the lid would not close.
 Before I commit the lid to this installation, I install one support using my modified dimensions and test the installation with a piece of scrap wood as a simulated lid. Bingo - right on target.
 It was requested that we add glides to the original design so the chest can be easily moved to clean under it. I selected heavy duty leveler glides that offer a large pad surface and can be adjusted easily to compensate for any unevenness in the floor. I begin by cutting square mounting blocks drilling a hole to accept a T-nut in the center, then extending a smaller hole through the floor of the bench for the adjusters.
 Once the mounting blocks are glued into place I have only to thread the glides into the T-nuts to complete the installation.
 Adjusting them is done from inside the bench with a narrow blade, standard screwdriver. The bench will be delivered with the levelers fully retracted. After placing the bench where you want it, if it wobbles, simply turn the adjusters in the high corners clockwise to lower the glides at those points and support the bench. The tops of the adjusters are flush with the floor of the bench so they are easy to see but will not snag or poke the contents of the bench.
Next up: base moldings.
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