Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 13, 2000 11:53am | #1

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   Nick:

   Been using my bottom-line Porter-Cable trimmer for years to cut security strikes for deadbolts and the occasional hinge mortise with no ill effects. Lots easier to handle than a big router. I use a 1/2" straight bit with a 5/8" guide bushing and the Porter-Cable plastic template. Does a neat job. The piloted bit that comes with these templates is HSS and doesn't last long.

   Bill

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 14, 2000 02:32am | #2

   *I use a PC Laminate Trimmer with a 5/8" flush bearing bit. I have about a half a dozen different homemade templates out of 1/2" MDF, and rock and roll. Because the flush mount bearing is generally what you see is what you get, they are brainless to mortise.Making the templates is easy. Just lay the hinge on some MDF, trace the outline, and saw away. Add a fence and bingo! You have a template.

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 14, 2000 04:10am | #3

   *A friend has the PC lam. trimmer which came with a hinge gain template set, and several different bases (flush, scribe etc.). . . probably also offered as an option. . .don't know which model off hand but he loves it!!-pm

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 14, 2000 05:10am | #4

   *BG 71 Portor CAble makes that same bit in carb. tipped, MUCHH BETTERDavid

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   Guest_ | Jul 19, 2000 03:34am | #6

   *Nick, I've used my little Ryobi laminate trimmer for mortising all my hardware...generally knife in the perimeter of the hardware, freehand the waste with a 1/2" straight bit and finish up with a sharp chisel. If I have a lot of the same stuff to install, then I take the time to make a template. My full sized routers rarely make it off the truck nowadays...the little bugger has amazing guts, going strong for 3 years now.

2. 
   Nick_Canzona | Jul 19, 2000 03:34am | #5

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   Has anyone tried using a laminate trimmer, with a 1/4-inch piloted router bit and a template, to rout hinge mortises in standard interior doors & jambs? I don't own a laminate trimmer yet. I know these things are simply small routers, but I wonder if they can handle the side thrust.