Question about drop leaf hinges

[Al Bacon]

I am getting conflicting advice on different sites when asking about how many hinges per side. The table is 52" long. Some say there should be one 3-4" from the end and every 10" there after and some say 3 hinges would do it with the outside ones about 8" from the end.

What say you cabinet makers who have done this before?

Al

[Sam Murdoch]

I would agree with the 3"-4" camp. Keep the leaf stable in the full length and then 2 more for that length top. Too many hinges can create binding that you really want to avoid. Yes, yes, they won't bind if they are set perfectly but wood is wood and perfection is elusive. The element of risk increases with each hinge. My 2¢.