Notching new door for hinges
#1
05-15-18, 04:28 AM
Notching new door for hinges
I'm going to be replacing all of my interior doors as time and budget allows. I am considering getting a plunge router attachment for my Dremel to recess the area where the hinges attach to the door.
Is this a good setup? I don't want to invest in a router, as I suspect it would sit on the shelf unused after this project.
Is there a better method?
Is this a good setup? I don't want to invest in a router, as I suspect it would sit on the shelf unused after this project.
Is there a better method?
#2
05-15-18, 04:51 AM
Member
I've replaced a couple doors my self and just used a chisel. However, you plan on doing many, so I say get the router and tack it to the cost of the whole door replacement project. You'll find many more uses for it as time goes on. You won't be sorry.
#3
05-15-18, 04:57 AM
Group Moderator
I agree. A Dremel is not the right tool for the job. And, I have the router attachment for it and it is too small for doing door hinges. It's OK for little hobby stuff but it's just not enough for door hinge pockets. Luckily routers are relatively inexpensive. You will most likely spend more money for a jig or template unless you make it yourself (which is very doable and inexpensive).
#4
05-15-18, 05:23 AM
Group Moderator
Since a small trim router at Harbor Freight costs less than your Dremel base would, I would recommend that. It is also the right tool for the job. And have you read any of the reviews on the Dremel plunge base? Not good.
I agree I would be using a chisel if I only had one door to do and didnt have a router .
I agree I would be using a chisel if I only had one door to do and didnt have a router .
#5
05-15-18, 07:02 AM
Member
If you have rounded corners on your hinges, be sure to get a router bit with a radius to match the radius of the hinge corners.
#7
05-15-18, 11:05 AM
Member
When I did my basement doors I made a fixture for the router that could be clamped to the door. Each door took 5 min to complete all 3 mortise and they turned out perfect, well worth the time to make!
#8
05-15-18, 11:31 AM
Member
And you can clamp the old and new doors together to get a perfect alignment of the hinge halves that attach to the door. This is necessary to assure a good fit to the hinge half attached to the jamb.
