The mortise process is a hollow space or recess cut in order to fit categorical items like a lock mechanism or a door hinge. Mortising for a door hinge will also allow the door hinge to install flush to your door face or edge. If you are going to install the door by yourself and you want to install hinges which is indispensable, and you don't want to cut the door hinges by your hands then you can also use a router for this process.
4 Easy Steps To Cut Door Hinges With A Router
Here are the easy steps to cut your door hinges with the help of a router:
- Step 1: Set Up The Jig: First of all, you have to adjust your mortising jig to your proper hinge size & door thickness. Install or remove all the corner inserts, as convenient, depends on the inserts used, jigs can cut your mortises with rounded or squared your corners (squared corners must be finished later with a chisel). Fit your jig onto the edge of your door at the desired door hinge location & secure it as directed by the manufacturer.
- Step 2: Set Up The Router Bit: Mortising jigs are mostly used with a piloted router bit (included the guide bearing) or maybe either flush- cutting or mortising jigs types. Many of jigs come with the bit, in order to set up for mortising & chuck the bit in your router and then set your bit depth to match the thickness of your hing leaf. Some jigs may also include a couple of depth gauges for 2 hing thicknesses(standard).
- Step 3: Rout The Mortise: Set your router onto your jig, make sure that your bit is not contacting the door wood. Turn on your router and then rout the mortise, starting alone with the perimeter & then moving in clockwise-motion. Remove all the leftover material in the mortise with reapted right to left or front to back cuts to clear out all the waste. The bottom of your mortise should be flat (perfectly) and also smooth.
- Step 4: Chisel The Corners: If your door hinge has squared corners, use your hammer and chisel to square off each of your corners. Hold your chisel vertically with the beveled side facing your mortise internal. Tap your chisel with your hammer to cut one side of your corner and then repeat with your other side. Hold you chisel at a low angle with the beveled side facing up and then push your chisel by hand to cut out any waste.