Hatch offset

[suckerpunched]

What type of router bit is used to cut the offset for the galley hatch??? I used a plastic hinge with no offset and(of course) the hatch doesn't close fuuly at the bottom....in hind site I should have spaced the leading edge of the hinge an 1/8" to allow for this....I'd like a nice clean, uniform cut so haw does this work
Thanks,,,,TC

[madjack]

TC, are you sure you need to route???...if so, what you(probably) need is a rabetting bit http://www.amanatool.com/bits-fv/mr0100 ... abbet.html ...one that cuts only 1/8th can be hard to find(maybe)...I saw the one I linked to above at Amazon for 17.75 http://www.amazon.com/Amana-Tool-MR0100 ... B002QB0PVK but be very sure, 'cause it's easy to take off and hard to put back on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
madjack

[dh]

Pictures??? From your description of the problem it sounds like the top fits correctly, and it is just the bottom giving trouble. If, so taking 1/8 off the entire length might give you another problem on the top.

[suckerpunched]

Wish I could post pictures but computer is being a pain lately...understand what you are saying and will rethink....got plenty of time as it's cold here and tear is in storage at the moment...
Thanks TC

[aggie79]

TC -
The easiest way to cut the notch is with a router. It is a two-step operation. First cut the notch with a rabbet bit.



(I cut a 1/4" offset. My hurricane hinge from Grant does not offset in height. This would be the same situation as the living hinge that you're using. Under neath the hatch plywood I added aluminum and I also added aluminum cap trim on my galley sidewalls. This left about 1/8" clearance for weatherstripping.)

After the notch is cut, then you come back with a pattern or template bit - the bearing rides in the notch you just cut - and remove the rest of the material.



Sounds scary, but it was really pretty easy to do.

Take care, Tom

[LDK]

I'm cutting my hatch offset tomorrow but I'm gonna do it on the bench. I'm doing like Tom suggested, a rabbeting bit and a pattern bit. I'm going with a 3/8" bit for the offset and I'm gonna use the better than hurricane hinge. I'm also gonna cut out the door with a 1/4" straight cutting bit. Hopefully the router won't get away from me.