How Do You Cut Hinge Slots With a Router?

If you’re installing new door hinges or repairing old ones, you’ll need to cut hinge slots in the door. It’s important to get a good, clean cut so the hinge fits properly and the door hangs straight.

A router is the best tool for the job, but it can be tricky to use if you’ve never done it before. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cutting hinge slots with a router.

1. Mark the hinge positions on the door.

Use a pencil or chalk to mark where the top and bottom of the hinge will go. For each hinge, make two marks: one for the top of the hinge and one for the bottom.

2. Set up your router.

Attach a straight bit to your router and adjust the depth so that it will cut through the door thickness plus 1/8 inch. This extra 1/8 inch is called “clearance” and it will allow the hinge to fit into the slot without binding.

3. Cut the slots. Starting at one end of the door, make a shallow pass with the router to establish your cut line.

Then make deeper passes, incrementally increasing the depth of cut until you reach the desired depth. Be sure to keep your cuts straight and perpendicular to the door surface.

4. Test-fit the hinges.

Before you install the hinges, test-fit them in the slots to make sure they fit properly. If they’re too tight, sand or file away some of the wood until they fit snugly but not tightly.

Cutting hinge slots with a router is not difficult, but it does require some care and attention to detail. With a little practice, you’ll be able to do it like a pro!.