Need some advice on how best to make a kerf slot in door stop to accept vinyl clad weatherstripping?

Question

I'm replacing the weatherstripping and head to Lowes. I pick this up: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00917244000P?vName=Tools&cName=Portable+Power+Tools&sName=Rotary+%26+Spiral+Cutting+Tools

which I think will work if I put on a router bit with this blade http://www.toolstoday.com/searchtt.aspx 3 wing.

Look at the diagram on page 5 fig.15 where it says head weatherstrip. http://www.jeld-wen.com/_pdf/resources/howto/PGG001.pdf The slot I need to make is the slot the weatherstripping goes into. I would like to make the cut while it's on the doors instead of taking off the door stop cutting it on the table saw and remounting it. Everything is wood.

Any ideas on how would be best to go about it? I only need to make the kerf slot about 1/2" deep in the door stop.

Answer 1

The best way would be to remove the door stops and cut the kerf on a table saw to get a nice, smooth, straight groove. Cutting a groove in a stop that's still mounted to the door frame would be a challenge. Make sure you cut the kerf to the exact dimensions needed or the weatherstrip may not stay in place...try a scrap piece of wood first to check the fit. There are other weatherstrips available which mount with screws to the outside edge of the door stop with a metal or plastic plate, have slotted holes for adjustments and the weatherstrip part of it seals against the door when it's closed.

Answer 2

Got good hands,,,, the fastest way is an undercut jamb saw.  You can rent one at the home depot, and probably the Lowe's, for about $20/day.  Traditional use is for cutting door jams to accept laminate flooring.  If you feel a touch shaky, get some carpenters clamps and put up a board inside of the door, to hold a board as a rest and a guide.

Good luck.