Hinge cup holes

[dgbldr]

I'm looking for something we can use to do hinge cups in the field, very, very occasionally. And only like half a dozen at a time. Comes up once in a blue moon but would be nice to have a simple setup on hand when I need it.

We tried to use a Forstner bit today freehand and it didn't work. Without a drill press or fixture, it walks all over. The point isn't enough to stabilize it. What would work best? Forstner with a certain small template (which one?), router template, something else?

What has worked well for you?

[David Meiland]

Drill a clean hole through a piece of 1/2" plywood, clamp that to the door in the correct position, use it to start your drill into the door.

[philthegreek]

What he ^ said. ;-)

Phil

[dave_k]

There are lots of jigs out there. some very simple http://www.cabinetmart.com/Easy-Dril...3?currency=USD
and some very expensive http://www.cmtutensili.com/show_items.asp?pars=PJJ~~2 and a whole bunch in between.

I've never had to drill them onsite. I always do it in the shop with the drill press or a router.

[mike maines]

I've used this jig a LOT, not perfect but it works well: http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?p...8&site=ROCKLER.

[Jerry M]

Drill a clean hole through a piece of 1/2" plywood, clamp that to the door in the correct position, use it to start your drill into the door.

+1. You could also add a layer of sophistication by adding a fence to the ply some certain distance (like 6mm) from the edge of the hole to align your holes that distance from the edge of the door.
And cut your jig to length some certain distance from the hole to align the hole that distance from the top/bottom of the door.

[BThomas]

Your best off getting a small bench top drill press. You can do them by hand like suggested above but if you have a thin door , like 5/8" thick you have to be Very Careful you don't go though but need to go deep enough for the hinge. No problem with a 3/4 thick door. The Forstner bits have a center point that is slightly extended beyond the cutting sides. Even with the drill press, it is nice to have a jig to space the hinge holes from the top and bottom and in from the edge.
Just my 2c
Bill T

[bobkni]

I use Blum Ecodrill, its idiot proof and quick.
http://www.amazon.com/Blum-Ecodrill-.../dp/B0006HFCNM

can also drill dowel holes for press in hinges

[dgbldr]

Thanks guys. I shoulda thought of the hole in the ply.

Bob, the Blum gadget looks super, but at $300 not sure it's something I want to throw in the back of the truck "just in case". A Forstner bit and piece of ply, definitely.

[emer construction]

I bought this one at 1/2 the price of the blum. a friend has the blum and blum is better
http://www.sommerfeldtools.com/Somme...oductinfo/SHB/

[tjbnwi]

I have the CMT that drills 3 holes at a time. Also a $300.00 tool.

I used the Rockler prior to getting the CMT, it works well and you can set the depth, something you will need to watch with the plywood method.

Tom

[bobkni]

My thought was the first time I drilled through the front of a door I could have paid for one or most of one with the money spent on a new door

[joseph]

i have made several jigs successfully .one used a drill attachment that not only kept the drill aligned but limited the depth.but that one from blum would of been a better purchase . I keep making excusses not to purchase one .Sounds like alot but it would be inexpensive when I used it .

[Lamar Horton]

I used this one for a long time till I set up my drill press with a fence.

http://woodworker.com/fullpres.asp?PARTNUM=951-640

[TSJHD1]

Here's a pic (and the SU file) of a jig I designed and built...it should give you an idea of whether something like it would work for you. I made the jig with the router too.

Tom