Make Your Router Jig For Door Hinges Within 10 Minutes!

Trimming the door frame in an ideal depth to fit the door hinge is easy if you are using a jig. As the readymade one costs quite a lot and is not always available for any door hinge due to various size, many folks look for DIY ways.

In case you are wondering how to make a router jig for door hinges, it’s possible with some careful proceeding. You need to align and glue 3 wood pieces matching the hinge size. Then, cut the other wood piece based on hinge length and depth. Glue it to the 3 wood pieces perfectly to get the jig ready.

That’s too short? Don’t Worry! Let’s get into the detail with other related information, stay till the end!

This Is How To Make A Router Jig For Door Hinges Easy Way!

If you need a router jig for door hinges, gather all the needed tools that are described below and then follow the directions for making the homemade door hinge mortise jig:

Required Tools

• 2″ x 4″ wood pieces.
• Wood glue.
• Door hinge.
• Scale.
• Chisel.
• Circular saw.
• Router.
• Router bit.
• Jig saw.
• Pencil.
• Measuring tape.
• Screwdriver or screw gun.

Step-by-step Procedure:

1. Take the screwdriver or screw gun to remove the hinge from your door and jamb. Keep the screws in a secure place.
2. Hold the hinge and measure its leaf part (it should be 2″ or 3″ in length) using a scale.
3. Place the hinge on the table vertically.
4. Matching the top, bottom, and left/right side, place the 3 wood pieces.
5. Grab the wood glue and use some in the 3 wood pieces so that they get attached while the hinge is in the center.
6. Let them join by waiting for a few minutes.
7. Remove the hinge from the center and measure the mid-point which should match the length of the hinge leaf.
8. Use a chisel to take off the excess part that seems unnecessary.
9. Take a new wood piece vertically and place it directly on top of the attached 3-piece wood.
10. Mark the sides of the new wood piece (according to the attached 3-piece wood center) using a pencil. Use the scale to mark the depth as well (up to 2″ – 3″) with the same tool.
11. Using the pencil, mark the wood piece on another side with the same measurement as the hinge’s length and depth. Be sure to mark it while holding the wood piece vertically.
12. Connect the lines which you mark on the wood piece.
13. Get the jigsaw and router tools that seem strong and reliable like the DEWALT 20V MAX Router and Jig Saw.
14. Turn on the jigsaw and simply cut the new wood piece based on the marked line.
15. Use the glue on the new wood piece (that you cut according to hinge length and depth). Insert it vertically so that the open gap meets the 3-piece wood gaps. Let it sit there for a while.
16. Cut the excess sides (left and right wood trims) of the newly made router jig using the circular saw.
17. Use the router and insert the router bit to trim the edges of the newly made router jig (if needed.

You Must Pay Attention To These Safety Cautious!

• Wear safety equipment including gloves and eyewear to avoid catching wood dust on hands or eyes.
• Do not cut the wood surface more than 10 mm depth on one cut.
• Be sure to cut the surface in a clockwise direction.
• Avoid using the router at max speed since it can damage the surface as well as the router bits.
• Never try to move the router jig when the router tool is operated. Just turn off the router and then remove the router jig.
• If the duration is lengthy, then be sure to protect your ears by wearing ear protection.

How To Use A Router Jig For Door Hinges?

Using the router jig is simple that requires no hard effort. To understand the process, here’s the detail:

1. Buy the router jig or make the DIY router jig to use.
2. Take the router and insert the router bit matching the hinge depth. Be sure to pick the right router bit to avoid mistakes.
3. While holding the router jig on the door frame or jamb, use the router to trim the door frame according to the jig dimension. You can use a pencil to mark the door frame using the jig.
4. After that, you’ll need to use a chisel to expand the depth of the door frame in an even layout.
5. Test out whether your door hinge fits right or not on the door frame.
6. If not, you’ll again need to use the router holding the router jig.

Wrapping Up

Making a router jig for door hinges is straightforward if you have all the equipment and instruction on hand. Now this does not apply to people who hardly have skills of DIYing.

In case the above direction seems tough and complex for you, there’s always the route to switch to a readymade router jig. You may need to spend some money, but it won’t be regretting.

Hope this helps!