Using Carey Hinge Mortising system - question

[kfitzsimons]

I purchased the Carey hinge mortising system from Lee Valley and I'm about to hang 7 poplar replacement doors. Right now, there are hollow luan doors with only two hinges there now. I have to add the center hinge.
The instructions really are not very good so I'm looking for some tips if anyone of you has used the Carey system. I hung doors in my old house and hand mortised the hinges so I'm hoping the Carey method is quicker.
Anyone used it? Tips?
  Thanks, Kevin

 

[Frank-Jan]

I used google to see what this system looked like and one of the hits was to a thread on this very forum where Frank Pellow illustrates in detail how he used this jig-system: link to thread

 

[gojira]

I have used the Carey jig and it is quite effective. Frank Pellow's remarks on using it are excellent. Because the jig has to be turned end for end when switching from door to jamb, take heed of Frank's comment about exact spacing. The outer units must be equidistant from the center unit. I found that a spacer/story-stick is the best way to set this distance. The numerical measurement does not matter per se, only that the distances are identical. You can use a combination square set to the dimension you want in order to place the end units an identical distance from their respective rod tips. Note that the jig is attached to door edge and jamb via small nails. Be careful about the jig shifting when nailing it on. Don't ask me how I know that, just trust me.

 

[kfitzsimons]

I've actually finished the job and returned the jig to Lee Valley. I cut the mortises with the Lie-Nielsen butt mortise hinge plane. Glad that part of the project is done! Now for the by-pass closet doors...no trimming or hinge cutting. Yippee! Thanks for the tips guys.