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I’ve heard you can use a router to mortise the latch-side to create the opening for the reinforced deadbolt plate rather quickly instead of using my trusty wood chisel.
I was wondering if there are any tricks to doing this – do I need to make a template, or just do it free hand? Is there a template that you can buy to do this?
Any advice on this would be appreciated.
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Phil:
Buy, borrow,rent a copy of "The Doorhanger's Handbook" by Gary Katz,published by Taunton Press. It shows how to make templates for your router to do this job.
Frank
*I would think that to mortise a minimum, it is easiest just to use the appropriate drill bits. Then, cut away the points and corners with one's bench chisel (sharpened to 8000 grit with the japanese water stone).I make pilot holes first, so as to allow a directed path for the screw-feed tip of the drill bit.I dont think making a jig in this case is worthwhile, considering the depth of the cut contemplated.Hope this helps.
*Porter Cable makes a quite elaborate and expensive rig that holds the router and clamps to the door. Sometimes available for rental.There are some much less expensive clamping/centering jigs for drills in the catalogs.For site made templates I think a big issue is control and wieght is the biggest part of that. Light routers or laminate trimmers work well for shallow cuts.
*For one lock I use a hand chisel. I have and use template for doors but If it just a few I use the old way. Remember that the door stop is there and make sure you can rech the jamb. ** Note I have used a demel(?) tool with there router attachment to handle some of these free handBill CurryCurry Construction
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PC makes a plastic jig for the lock set complete with a high speed or carbide bit that fits in a 1/4" router. Add to this a special corner chisel that is activated with a hammer and the job is a snap. This jig nails to the door or casing with two small nails and I find it easiest to use my laminate trimmer as a router. The result is fast, and the depth uniform. Note, I am not a professional carpenter, but an amateur who as remodeled more than a litttle. An old timer could probably chisel the lock in the time it takes me to set up my jig, but I'll you have to take your advantages where you find them. I ordered mine from Tool's on Sale.
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I've heard you can use a router to mortise the latch-side to create the opening for the reinforced deadbolt plate rather quickly instead of using my trusty wood chisel.
I was wondering if there are any tricks to doing this - do I need to make a template, or just do it free hand? Is there a template that you can buy to do this?
Any advice on this would be appreciated.