In reading David Freedman’s article on mounting slot hinges, I notice that he suggests using a slot cutting saw blade mounted in a 1/2″ arbor, which is then placed in a drill press to cut the slot for a 7/8″ barbed (slot) hinge. He recommends Rockler as a source, but they no longer sell the barbed hinges, nor the slot cutter blade and arbor. Does anyone have an source for these tools, or other recommendations? I also know that some folks use a router bit on a router table to make the cut. If so, what size slot bit (bit thickness) would be required? I am attaching images of the barbed hinge and the slot cutter blade. Thank you.
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Replies
I don't know why, but everyone seemed to be dropping barbed hinges a few years back. I'm not sure who sells them currently.
You can't use router slot cutters to install barbed hinges. The slots have to be precise thicknesses, and router cutters are far too thick. Some used the proper kerfing saw blades in a router, rather than drill press, but the merging saws aren't made to run at router speeds.
If you find a source for the hinges, they'll likely sell the correct thickness kerfing saws. I'm sure a Google search will turn up a source.
I use a "slitting saw blade" that I got from a machine shop supply site. I also mount mine in the drill press. I'm not sure whether they come in different thicknesses, but the one I have fits the hinges perfectly. Littlemachineshop.com has a selection of blades.
Thanks for your information on the slot hinge issue. In looking at The Little Machine Shop, I see that their saw blade is 3" in diameter. Is this the diameter of your blade? And are you able to use that with the smaller widths of the slot (barbed) hinges? The arbor they offer looks like it would work just fine. Thanks again. Lloyd
Thanks for the feedback. I thought that this might be the case, but was still trying to figure that out. Your information helped. I'm continuing to Google this issue and have found a company named Atco Products. That is where I found the photos I attached with my original info request here. I'll be calling them this next week to see what they have to offer. Thanks again. Lloyd
I recently started using the Barbed hinges and found a few sources for Blades....Jewelers Slit cutters is what you need to look for. Malcosaw.com has carbide as well as HSS in many sizes,thicknesses and arbor sizes....I have also used blades from Harbor Freight...They don't seem to last however...The hinges are also much less expensive on Amazon and Ebay......Jack
I found a variety of the slot (barbed) hinges, as well as the cutters at: http://www.woodworkingparts.com/kerf-hinge-saw-blades-or-universal-arbor/
I also found a variety of jewelers cutters at: https://www.ebay.com/i/191452594209?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=191452594209&targetid=595232446269&device=c&adtype=pla&googleloc=9033346&poi=&campaignid=1689799120&adgroupid=66574332155&rlsatarget=pla-595232446269&abcId=1140466&merchantid=8137994&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoeLEkf-t4wIVgchkCh37swY0EAQYAyABEgJ1bvD_BwE
Here's one more source you might try: https://www.atcoproducts.com/barhin17.html
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