Kreg Jig for European Cup Hinges

[Ken Kortch]

I've been looking at the jigs that are currently available for drilling holes/pilot holes for the European cup hinges. Most are just holes drilled in plastic so that they'd wear out rather rapidly.

Just wondering if Kreg has ever thought about a Kreg version of such a jig - properly placed with steel lined drill holes and a slick way to drill the large cup hole. It seems like this sort of thing is what Kreg would really excel at.

I also wonder if Kreg could come up with a solution to making simple but decent looking cabinet doors without dealing with big stile and rail cutters - maybe something that would utilize a circular saw or a router - or both.

[Jay Boutwell]

Hi Ken,  a nice system is one that sommerfeld tools sells.  It allows you to bore both the cup hinge and the two dowel pin holes with one simple setting on the door.  See it at www.sommerfeldtools.com .  It is called the sommerfeld's easy bore SHB.  He has an online catalogue at the above link.  You can also see it in some of his well made door making videos that are on You Tube under the sommerfeld channel.

The jig is all metal and well made with all three bits included.  They hinge placement is easy done and is accurate .  At about $180.00 shipping free in the USA is a great deal.  I own one and am pleased with it and I do professional cabinets out of a cabinet shop.  It does what it is made for and is a no nonsense jig that is quick and accurate and portable which is something anyone who is doing work in the field should consider.

I also have some information on my simple made drill press jig method on the kreg site under European Hinges of which is a long and detailed description about European hinges .  Hope this will give you an idea or two.  Want more information feel free to send me a message.

[John Schaben]

Nice tip Jay - I've just been setting up the drill press because I've had the same issues that Ken indicated with the jigs I've seen on the market. I know Mark Sommerfeld  puts out hi quality stuff.

[Jay Boutwell]

Hi John, nice to see that you are still envolved with woodworking and certainly good to hear from you.  Yes Marc does put out some very nice tools and they are the type that are for the professional and therefore work well and last a long time.  Speaking of the hinge boring jigs his is the best out there, that I have found, and even though I have used the big elaborate decidated systems I am more prone to use the jig made by sommerfeld and or the one that I built for the drill press.  I have bored hundreds of holes without any problem.  Take care of your self and hope to see you on here again soon.

John Schaben said:

Nice tip Jay - I've just been setting up the drill press because I've had the same issues that Ken indicated with the jigs I've seen on the market. I know Mark Sommerfeld  puts out hi quality stuff.