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 Self Centering Bits |
Jeff Greef Woodworking
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To see more Home Improvement Plans on this site, go to: Printed Outdoor Projects or Downloadable Home Imprv. Plans or Home Imprv. Project Books |
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Page 2, Installing Interior Shutters Go back to Page 1. |
Tape all the cut shutters into place as in photo 4 to check that all the clearances are correct, make any necessary adjustments. Leave the middle clearance tight for now, then see what it is after the hinges are installed.
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Photo 4-Tape the cut shutters in place to check clearances. |
Hardware packages are available from shutter manufacturers at additional cost, but you can save money buying off-the-shelf hardware, and you'll be able to see what you get before you buy. Use non-mortise hinges (like those shown) because they are easiest to install and automatically establish the clearance between mating parts. You don't have to cut the edge of the shutter for these hinges, just lay them on the edge and screw in place. However, you must locate the screws carefully to ensure that the hinges are properly aligned.
Accurately locate screw holes for the hinges with a self centering bit as shown in photo 5. This tool, available from Rocker by clicking here, automatically centers the hole because it has a reference ring around the bit that contacts the screw hole and holds the bit on center. Firmly hold the hinge leaf in place as you use the self centering bit. Use a bit diameter that allows the screw to hold tight but doesn't need to be torqued in too hard. If the bit is too wide for the screw, drill only half the length of the screw so that its end goes into solid wood. Softwood shutters will easily allow this. If necessary, use the self centering bit to start the hole then drill deeper with another, lesser diameter bit. Another alternative is to start each hole with a nail driven in 1/8", then use this pilot hole to drill a deeper screw hole. The nail lets you accurately locate the hole position more easily than a spinning bit.
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Photo 5-Use a self centering bit to locate screw holes in the hinges. |
For self-centering bits, click here.
For drill bits, click here.
For hand drills, click here.
Clamp together two mating shutters with a spacer between as shown in photo 6 and install the hinges that join them. Note that the screw holes in the hinge are oblong. This lets you adjust the height relation of the shutters later. For now, locate the screw in the center of the oblong hole and cinch the screws down tight.
