Homemade Door Hinge Mortising Jig

The jig is dirt simple.

Homemade door hinge mortising jig.

Simple jig for hinges. Make full depth plunge cuts at the ends of the slot with a series of shallower passes to clean out the middle. The jig is clamped to the door and guides the router through the cut. Attach the jig using a vise as shown below or clamps.

Your 1 1 2 thick door is now 1 3 4 set the jig to 1 3 4. 1 4 thick paint stick or any scrap 1 4 thick add the paint stick to the side that the red knobs from the mortising template rest against. I clamp it to the case or door and use a bearing guided bit to rout the mortise. Just a piece of plywood for a base and a fence to secure it.

Making a hinge mortising template. Don t forget to record the bushing size and bit size on the jig for future reference. Intended for utilization with a palm router. The hand tool method requires just a utility knife a hammer or mallet and a sharp wood chisel.

I always learn a lot when i teach a woodworking class. The power tool method uses a router and hinge mortising jig. Blow out the chips before making a final pass.