What router bit do you use to mortise hinges?

[Travis Porter]

I have been working on the "FOREVER PLAYHOUSES" and the latest is making doors and casings. I figured I would make a jig to mortise out the hinges with the router, but the problem I have is the router bit. I thought I had a pattern bit with a 1/2 inch cutter height, but I didn't. I had one with a 3/4 inch cutter height so that means I would need a template greater than 3/4" thick. I did have an "offset pattern bit" that was shorter, but like I said, it is offset so I have to go around and chisel it out. I believe this bit is meant to work with the Porter Cable door hinge template, and quite frankly, it sucks bad. I had to run the router at the slowest speed and be very light with cutting to keep it from burning and it was only 3/32" deep.

So, what do you use, where did you get it, and do you like it?

 

[FredP]

I use a strait bit 1/2" with a coller on the router but then I also have a hinge jig to use with it! you are wellcome to use it if ya like. but I cant let it out for long as it gets used pretty regular.

fred p

 

[Travis Porter]

What brand is it? Do you like it? Is it adjustable?

 

[FredP]

bosch yes yes and yes!:rolf: they run around 300 bucks so not realy worth while for 1 or 2 doors. I used to hang commercial doors for a living. too old for that now!:roll: too lazy too!!!!!:rolf:

 

[junquecol]

I use MLCS's 1/2" X1/2" pattern trim bit. They also carry mortising bits, along with dado cleanout bits that will work.

 

[newtonc]

I agree that using a jig and routing out is a great way to achieve the task.The router is about my favorite tool in the shop and I use it whenever possible.
However, if you are only doing a few hinges I would think that a scribed outline and a few minutes with a chisel are all that is needed.
But I could be wrong...:eusa_thin

 

[Joe Scharle]

I use MLCS's 1/2" X1/2" pattern trim bit. They also carry mortising bits, along with dado cleanout bits that will work.

Me too. And I need to see that much radius to set my chisel for the corners.

 

[Travis Porter]

$300 is too rich for my blood. I am wanting something to use for cabinet/furniture hinges as well. The 1/2 x 1/2 MLCS cutter seems like the ticket. I am going to check that out.

 

[junquecol]

Me too. And I need to see that much radius to set my chisel for the corners.

I have one of those funny looking corner chisels like Norm uses on the NYW. Only problem is half the time I can't find it. But it does a good job when I can find it.

 

[DavidF]

I would scribe the lines as though you were going to chisel by hand and then set the router bit depth on a suitable, bottom cut bit and free hand close to the lines. Use another piece of wood clamped to the side of the door/frame to give support to the router. Clean up the corners by hand and done. Much better than trying to make a jig for a few hinges and you know the fit will be good and the bottom of the recess nice and flat.

 

[nelsone]

Travis, check out this thread. Tod is a cabinet maker based in Mountain Home, AR and does some really nice work. This is the jig he uses with a top bearing bit.

 

[Travis Porter]

Actually, that is what I was trying to do. The problem I have had is the top bearing bit. I have several top bearing bits, but all of them had a cutter length of 3/4" or greater. That meant my template had to be thicker than 3/4" and that is a pain. I went to the BORG and Klingspor and neither had one shorter. I did order one from MLCS today so I should be set.

I like the base plate Tod put on his router. That is one I hadn't considered and I will definitely be doing that.

Thanks Ed!

 

[Joe Scharle]

Travis here's a jig I built from Shopnotes. Plan used the base for guide but I've modified it for a top bearing. I've got the article on HD if you want to see it.

 

[Travis Porter]

Sure. If you can email it to me, my email address is travis.porter at sprint.com.

Thanks Joe

 

[Adzeman]

Jesada Tools in Florida has nice bits, I've been using them on large mortises for years. You might also try solid carbide "end mill" bits at Grainger.

-Eric Moerschel