RE: Hinge installation
OK. first, i really recommend the great planes hinge slotter and the blade set for nylon/pinned hinges, one of a few specialized tools i really like. there's a technique to using it so if you get one, practice on scrap or ask for advice here.
otherwise, you will need: a small paintbrush (like testor's model paint brush), vaseline, methanol, paper towel cut into small squares, and some scrap balsa strips--about 2" by 3/8" (or else tooth picks), and some pins. I use 30 min epoxy.
sand the gluing surface of the hinges to roughen them up if you are compulsive.
paint the hinge area and hinge pin with vaseline.
mix up epoxy.
apply epoxy to one half of the hinge and put some epoxy into the hinge slot. Use a pin to push the epoxy down into the slot.
push the hinge(s) into their slot(s) but not all the way in yet, leave them out about 1/8".
use a balsa stick or toothpick to remove excess epoxy from the hinge.
now push in the hinge all the way. wipe away any excess epoxy with paper towel dampned with methanol.
do not unnecessarily move the hinges back and forth while the glue is wet or you will work the glue into the hinge joint.
once the glue is dry, move the hinges to free them up.
Now glue the other half of the hinge into the mating surface.
Peter