You can cut a hinge mortise with hand tools or a power tool.
Homemade door hinge mortising jig.
I clamp it to the case or door and use a bearing guided bit to rout the mortise.
Homemade hinge mortising jig constructed from wood plexiglass threaded rod knobs and hardware.
1 4 thick paint stick or any scrap 1 4 thick add the paint stick to the side that the red knobs from the mortising template rest against.
Making a hinge mortising template.
Blow out the chips before making a final pass.
Attach the jig using a vise as shown below or clamps.
Simple jig for hinges.
I always learn a lot when i teach a woodworking class.
The hand tool method requires just a utility knife a hammer or mallet and a sharp wood chisel.
Just a piece of plywood for a base and a fence to secure it.
Your 1 1 2 thick door is now 1 3 4 set the jig to 1 3 4.
The power tool method uses a router and hinge mortising jig.
The jig is clamped to the door and guides the router through the cut.
Intended for utilization with a palm router.
The jig is dirt simple.