Cutting An Exterior Door

Step 2 - Brace Door with Plywood.

Cutting an exterior door. Use a putty knife or chisel to remove any old caulking or thick layer of paint on the door jamb or siding. Remember you get a much cleaner cut if you dont push too hard on. For cuts greater than 316 inch use a circular saw equipped with a blade for fine woodworking.

Cut the same amount from the bottom of the frame as you cut from the door. Pre-cut and prepared transom. Once the door is protected you now need to make sure your cut is straight.

Use a fine grit paper to smooth off any rough patches on the cut edge. You can protect it with paper tape or something else that will stay in place when you cut. Start by preparing a clean stable surface to lay your door on so you can get.

Clamping two pieces of plywood to either side of the door before cutting will help to. Cut a 45 miter at the top of the casing. Position a straight saw guide at this mark parallel to.

Use a guide and keep the saw steady to ensure a clean straight edge and minimise the risk to the door. Cut the casing to length square at the bottom. With the blade teeth held just to the waste side of the scored line mark the masking tape along the opposite edge of the base plate.

Because exteriordoor frames are rabbeted in addition to shortening the jamb legs you need to recut the rabbets for the sill. Is this going to cause the door to warp. Use a power planer for cuts less than 316 inch.