Replies

1. 
   Lunicy | Jul 10, 2006 05:23am | #1

   I have the Stanley (which is the Bosch) 3 hinge template kit. I like it alot, just don't lose or damage any parts. You will never, ever, ever get any parts to it. I'll teach you how to make 'em.

    

   Can't I go 1 day without spilling my coffee?

1. 
   davidmeiland | Jul 10, 2006 08:07am | #3

   I have a Bosch, yer' scarin' me. Why no spare parts?

2. 
   Hooker | Jul 10, 2006 07:45am | #2

   Sorry, I don't have any experience with those (or any) templates, but I had great luck making my own recently for a laminate router using MDF by cutting out a tracing of the hinge.  Just some adjustments of depth, etc. and I was rollin.

   This was for a replacement job, however.  Went from hollows to solids, so it was easy to lay the old door onto the new on horses and mark the locations.  I thought that if I was hinging new I could make three templates and attach them all to a 1x1 for a tri-template system.

   Sounds rinky-dink, but it works for me.

   Neither cold, nor darkness will deter good people from hastening to the dreadful place to quench the flame.  They do it not for the sake of reward or fame; but they have a reward in themselves, and they love one another.

   -Benjamin Franklin

3. 
   unTreatedwood | Jul 10, 2006 07:29pm | #4

   I use the Bosch.  I had no problem replacing the top stop when the original one lost its tension.  It works great.  Never used the Porter Cable, so I can't comment on that.

   "The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a governmental program"  -Ronald Reagan 

1. 
   gbwood | Jul 10, 2006 08:30pm | #5

   I agree w/ the bosch- have a friend w/ the PC & he let me try it. With the Bosch you have the same side of the jig toward the top of the door, having to slide the stops when transfering jig from jamb to door edge.

   With the PC you turn the jig end for end.

   It was probably just the way my friend had it set up, but the PC jig had alignment issues.

   Another vote for the Bosch

    

   gb

    

4. 
   DougU | Jul 11, 2006 04:34am | #6

   My vote is for the PC, have used it for 20 plus years and wouldnt trade for any other.

   Never used to Bosch so cant comment on it.

   Doug

5. 
   jayzog | Jul 11, 2006 05:06am | #7

   Some plywood scrap & 20 minutes can make you a beauty.

1. 
   DML | Jul 11, 2006 07:19am | #9

   What size hinges are you using they look about 10" long !!!

1. 
   jayzog | Jul 11, 2006 12:50pm | #11

   That one is for 3½" hinges. The cutouts in the plywood are sized to reference off the router base.

1. 
   LEMONJELLO | Jul 11, 2006 01:14pm | #12

   Interesting! Using the base instead of a guide bushing, nice. Don't need a bushing and depth on cut is set from the base rather than adding for the template. I like and borrowing your idea for next week. Nice trailer!__________________________
   Judo Chop!

2. 
   ANDYSZ2 | Jul 11, 2006 10:41am | #10

   Forget the jig I would like to see some pictures of your trailer setup.

   Quite unique are you able to run tools as they set or is it just a hinged opening for access to get tools out?

   ANDYSZ2I MAY DISAGREE WITH WHAT YOUR SAYING BUT I WILL DEFEND TO THE DEATH YOUR RIGHT TO SAY IT.

   Remodeler/Punchout

3. FHB Editor
   JFink | Jul 11, 2006 11:09pm | #14

   That's a sweet trailer!Justin Fink - FHB Editorial

   Your Friendly Neighborhood Moderator

6. 
   timkline | Jul 11, 2006 06:08am | #8

   perhaps neither.

   i have the Bosch and a Hinge Mate. 

   if you are installing a lot of blank slabs in blank jambs, (something rarely done anymore because of prehungs ) then the Bosch is the way to go.

   but,

   if you are installing blank slabs in existing jambs where you must match the locations of existing hinge cuts, then the Hinge Mate is the tool for you, hands down, no question.

   the Hinge Mate is much more adjustable and incredibly quick to set up.  no template guides to install on the router.  it comes with a router bit with a built in bushing.  and you can get a bit for 5/8" radius hinges.   the tool is very well made.  it does not work efficiently at making the cuts in the jambs.  this is why i have both tools.

   i think davidmeiland cleared the air for me that if you have a Bosch hinge template then you must use a Bosch router with Bosch template guides to get the 5/8" radius hinge cut.   they are the only ones that make the proper sized guide for the 5/8" radius hinge.   just an added headache.

   anyway, the last time i checked, the PC came in a case that was 4 feet long.  no kidding!

   Hinge Mate

   or there's always this baby:

   Lie Nielsen

   yes, got one as a gift.  what a dream tool.

    

   carpenter in transition

1. 
   davidmeiland | Jul 12, 2006 04:43am | #15

   >>if you have a Bosch hinge template then you must use a Bosch router with Bosch template guides to get the 5/8" radius hinge cut.   they are the only ones that make the proper sized guide for the 5/8" radius hinge.   just an added headache.

   Just came up against that problem a week ago. A customer had a prehung with 5/8" radius hinges, and had to trim 1/2" off the door due to his framer's mistake. He trimmed the hinge mortises off, and then asked me to recut them. The Bosch jig with a PC router and PC template will not cut deep enough into the door and will not adjust correctly to the length of the butt, so you have to make your own.

   I like that Hinge Mate. I've also been looking at the Templaco latch and strike plate mortising stuff. It would be easy to spend another $400-500 on door hanging and hardware install tools. It'll probably happen next time we trim out a whole house.

7. 
   traini | Jul 11, 2006 02:39pm | #13

   I have not used a chisel to hang  doors in 25 years, My hinge templete is not only accurate but quick, I would assume most templates are much the same, however the router,router bit  and guide may be more important.I have a older smaller router that I leave in a made up wooden box just for doors so that when the time comes all needed items are on the same shelf and ready to go.  I would note for the first time I would review every step as you go as a mistake with a template can be major.

   George 

8. 
   huddledmass | Jul 12, 2006 05:46am | #16

   do it freehand with a router...score the cut lines first with your olfa or whatever you use and nibble away at them with the router....it is very fast and a very flat mortise which makes the door hang very nicely.  Use a 1/4" sharp chisel to pare away little bits of waste

    

    

    

    

   "I hate quotations.  Tell me what you know"  Ralph Waldo Emerson