New MDF Door Linings / frames in old openings, how to get perfect linings fitted for new doors

[@tellis9844]

I love the gaffes in this video, the joys of being on site.

[@JCCarpentry]

‘We’ve ran out of pipe’ “have you now?” 😂

[@peartonperformance5212]

In other words, not my problem mate

[@RobNorman08]

I've been doing a similar thing for a few years now, I have a couple of cheap blanks with packers tacked to the side for gapping, i make my lining up around this and brace it up. I then set the lining in the opening with folding wedges, foam fill, let it all go off the put in mechanical fixings, (I also pre drill and countersink all my fixing points through the lining prior to assembly) saves a ton of time when coming to hang my doors. Great video as ever sir.

[@jackdalby1663]

This is a game changer hands down. Love a good old jig, definitely going to use this. Work smarter not harder, great video as always

[@davetaylor4741]

I used to screw a spacer batten at the bottom and one in the middle to keep correct gap in UK. It worked. In Oz all the door linings or jambs as they call them here go in with the door. You fix the hinge side leave the rest floating. Hang the door and set the rest of the frame to the swinging door. Seemed weird at first but now after 22 years it seems normal. Guaranteed to fit too.

[@jimrowland8310]

That’s how we do it in Canada too, and their called jambs 👍

[@mattybrown5657]

I live in uk and I still screw a bit of baton to the bottom of the frame then I always put in 2 screws Side by side and around 4 rows in each side to keep it straight

[@darrenmaxwell3108]

Your dead right Dave that’s how I fit them you get perfect gaps all the way round... The trouble is now in the uk it’s £800 a 4 bed house that includes 11 frames pre finished doors skirting architrave handrail etc.... they want it all looking sexy as in 4 days this system Robin is showing is good but will only work with a 200 quid level otherwise gaps will be out.

[@Gixer750pilot]

Robin removed his headphones 🎧 from his neck and his head didn’t fall off ! Thank god

[@reddeddie]

Just a legend doing his thing. No biggie.. I've learnt so much from this guy who works exactly how I do: " how can I make this task more efficient more productive more accurate and easy at the same time ?" I'm self taught in carpentry and love working with wood, Anything I'm not 100% confident about I always consult the guru that is robin clevitt for the asd style confirmation I'm looking for. How do I do things perfectly and what can I engineer to make things better. Big up robin ! True puzzle solver and efficiency extrodinair. I'm on your vibe. Hit me up you ever need an extra set of hands.

[@ukconstruction]

Thanks mate!! Will do!!

[@Alexcustominstall]

Love all your videos, it’s like sitting an apprenticeship with you (how tech has changed the world) Just about to start major work at my house and the amount of things I’ve learned/am learning is priceless. Thanks for the hard work 👍

[@ukconstruction]

Thanks Alex, good luck with the work at home!!

[@henryhudson1984]

I find this very impressive. Eliminate waste (time) wherever possible. Keep up the efficient methods of construction, you are a trailblazer for the industry.

[@tomsmith9048]

That idea is as old as the hills 🔨

[@wirelad1]

Great video Robin - Im following all the way now. Door liners and hinge jig. This is great stuff - I have 11 doors to do. And don't worry, we all don't think your a nob! We love you video'in. Its the honey monster lumber-jack guy getting in the way!

[@wellingsrob4]

MDF frames eh.... I wish the people who specify them had to swing the doors, absolutely crap. Awful to swing FD30/60s on. I've nothing positive to say about MDF frames. When installing many frames we use a prepared door template, but level the head and hinge jamb first, fix the jamb, temp door in, fit the lock side jamb to suit, JD. We install FD30/60 fire doors predominantly tbh, then router the hinges in with a full length jig. I like the method you use. The head and jambs have to be bang on level/plumb or you'll notice it, and especially when running the skirting into the architrave, or if fitting cheeks to then fit architrave to them.

[@philreid884]

Hi Robin, really enjoyed the video as usual, lots of good tips in there. I'd be interested to see you do a video on hanging doors into old (and usually a bit wonky) frames. a much more common job for alot of chippies id imagine!

[@brianwood5220]

I don't know how you kept your cool, but you did and well done you. Great job Robin as always.

[@ukconstruction]

Thank you!

[@hyperhype1000]

I did enjoy the gaffs in this actually Robin.

[@pgaybrooks]

I've done the same thing as this a couple of years ago... I had an offer through from Howdens for £7 a door, bought a 2'3" 2'6" and 2'9", cut the holes out and lined them with a couple of strips for the gap around them, perfect! Cheaper than 3 sheets of MDF

[@tomsmith9048]

Your dead right pal that idea is as old as the hills 6mm ply and 2x1 only when the old boy did it there wasn't any foam just wedged up to death 😝🔨

[@danthechippie4439]

How much of a gap did you leave each side of the doors? About 3mm? Very good idea

[@rockcorryman]

On my last fit out I used this exact idea and it works a treat, a real time saver

[@chipowood6032]

MDF is waste dust by product basically glued together with formaldehyde and urine The of gassing during its lifetime in buildings is one of the causes of sick building syndrome as well as many other modern products. I have a fair amount of work on replacing these doors and liners after only 4 or 5 years of use. Keep up the good work your making me money Robin

[@adrianwilding2912]

Nice touch with the pivoting blocks which will support the linings when you assemble them. How about mounting a couple of spirit levels on the former too to minimise carting those about?

[@sally6457]

Started using this technique years ago whilst building local authority homes in West Yorkshire, To be fair, the clerk of works didn't demand accuracy, so long as things worked and looked OK he was satisfied, partly because they knew what we were paid. (The old "good, fast, cheap. You can only have 2) Being a massive router fan, I looked at jobs and thought how to make things easier and repeatable using jigs, My speed and quality sped up very quickly. Suddenly I had people chasing me to do their jobs. And also realised that if I made opening patterns for the bricklayers, my job got loads easier again.

[@T.E.P.]

absolutely stellar vid ... glad to catch these. the channel is a joy

[@pawelpawel31]

I used to fit the door lining this way years ago. Well done

[@TheFatman2436]

I said it before and I'll say it again the guys a blooming genius, it makes so much sense though if your fitting a shed load of doors

[@hernebaybob]

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I wish there were more like you. Your waiting list must be huge!

[@whomadethatsaltysoup]

Thanks Robin, Excellent tutorial on a very good idea to achieve consistency using a straightforward system. Thanks for sharing. Big shout out to your flashing sidekick! 🤣

[@tomwills2309]

I like the idea of how you’ve fitted the frame using a former. Always toyed with the idea of knocking one up to do a run of door linings. Big thing for me is MDF door linings. I’m way off being convinced MDF door linings are a good idea. The amount of MDF door linings I’ve had to go out to because the screws have stripped from the weight of the doors is unreal. I’ll stick to softwood door linings for now until I’m convinced but great video and will definitely be fitting door linings this way on bigger jobs.

[@Stephenc4877]

In higher end stuff we would put the frame on the hinge side and use 18mm mdf for a full depth door stop Table saw or rail saw to make the stops to suit. I find this gives a really nice detail.

[@ukconstruction]

Thats a nice detail, I have done some videos on skeleton linings where I do this too, its a really nice detail, thanks for the comment mate

[@waynecharlton954]

Did nine linings thee other day I had to trench all the heads on most off the linings on 170 mill linings some I had to rip down for the plasters had to make 2 linings for 0.609m mill doors or 2 ft made them the openings 0. 613 m then fitted them to masonry walls all were nice and plumb level and in wind

[@frank1847]

I think the time saved doing doors and frames this way is excellent and also not having to shoot the door before fitting is a very big bonus. This is a great idea. I think I will make and use these m d f door templates. Giant Haystacks Plumbing Services was a bundle of laughs, cant wait to work with him. Another great little video Robin, You obviously put a lot of thought into making these, and I'm sure everyone will agree with me that its much appreciated.👍

[@pauljackson5482]

If you want to point then point. To me it's like your conducting an orchestra. Your own personal one, it keeps you flowing. Thanks for all your help.

[@ukconstruction]

Thank you Paul!!!

[@danthechippie4439]

Nice idea, I wondered if you would take the time to demonstrate 'sighting a door frame ' for double doors obviously but some people have trouble understanding the principle.

[@willbee6785]

Easy enough. “Out of wind” if it’s wrong. Sometimes if you can’t get your eye-line through from standard to standard; use thin fishing line from corner to corner. When the line touches in the middle, your bang on the plane for both doors. (Especially if the doors have a half check on the lock side) Hope this helps others Dan.

[@russellshaw485]

Great video Robin . Had a good laugh too , your work colleague was oblivious to all that was going on 😂😂 was like some random guy picking things up and having a go with them 😂😂😂😂 was like herding cats 😂. I thought you were going to loose it any moment 😂 well done very diplomatic

[@stevelake8046]

Bought your hinge jig, great bit of kit saves loads of time, keep making the videos always useful tips thanks

[@neilquantick9207]

What a great ‘system’ Robin..... 👌🏼👍🏼

[@WhippyEU]

Love how Robin just casually give Mr Lumberjack a bollocking haha

[@ukconstruction]

Gary is a great friend of mine and we give each other serious digs all the time, he is probably the best heating engineer on the planet!!!!!

[@nikodemandy3591]

That's exactly what I've done some time ago. I used low expanding foam for that. Quick and easy.

[@grrinc]

Really useful ideas and well presented. Apart from the few 'The Office' moments obviously.

[@pcranebmw]

Excellent system. Great video as always. Hi Gary.

[@midagedman2719]

I router the jambs on the bench....before assembly and install...

[@ukcarpenteroutdoors7081]

Just how I do it now - Fit ply liners before plaster to masonry. After plasterers have been . Router hinges into frames , put leading edge of doors both side with plain or router , router doors , fix hinge side plumb, swing door , left lower leg and lock side of frame to suit gap on the door , fix top and bottom , check frame legs are parallel, fix leg , foam all around with fire foam . Perfect door and frame . No plaster on frame Great channel Rob keep the videos coming . ATB mate 👍🏻

[@ukconstruction]

Your method is great, and providing the structural openings allow I feel this would be a better way to build full stop!! keep up the great work mate

[@ukconstruction]

I Like your Channel to mate!!

[@ukcarpenteroutdoors7081]

@@ukconstruction thanks mate that’s a big compliment coming from you. need to upload more content , just no time At the moment with the work load we have on 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@ukconstruction]

@@ukcarpenteroutdoors7081 Its really hard mate to mix filming in with working!! I look forward to seeing more in the future, I am subscribing!!

[@davelever2550]

I do this. I have a few cheap ply doors that I use with packers screwed on the side, so I can change the margin if for example there fire doors with brushes

[@simony2801]

would have been interesting seeing more installation details such as the foaming.

[@Eldorado1253]

Robin that template is great just needs the center rail removing so you can step through it to check the other side if only one door into the room your fixing the lining center rail could be a loose piece great video look forward to the next

[@haroon420]

Robin!! Man I wish I could hire you. Now that I’ve watched how you work, I don’t trust any other carpenter. Literally got a carpenter hanging some mdf door liners and oak doors and he’s split the mdf whilst screwing them together. 😩😩😩

[@thetallcarpenter]

Perfect video for the time of year.🤩 Its full of Easter eggs!!. I wasn't expecting to laugh as much, especially at 16 mins.😂 Great idea, and I noticed that you only turned the tabs on the forma clockwise.😎

[@ukconstruction]

Love the fact you noticed the tabs thing!!! Del I am sure we must have been in the same class back in the 80's!!!!

[@thetallcarpenter]

@@ukconstruction I did laugh when you mentioned your tall mate. I worked with a guy who was a foot and a half shorted than me. We looked ridiculous tacking ceilings together.🤪 Cheers.

[@paulnewman2115]

Great idea Robin you an the tall Carpenter have great channels, keep it up lads 👍👌

[@mattallen8981]

Robin, I think that’s a crackin idea with the door template. If I had access to a true cutting table saw in a workshop I’d make one. 👍🏻 maybe I’ll try just on a beach in the garden

[@Samfarrelly]

Another banging idea! It’s gonna make a repetitive and awkward job nice and easy! Love the hinge and door jig, simple and very effective 👌

[@sally6457]

Been doing this for 15 years, the only way to make money on price work. Door linings are rarely manufactured with the suitable tolerance for the door, gaps and paint, So I adjust the opening when fitting to make second fix easier. I can't get my head around a joiner that would need to be told such a simple thing

[@rogerg34]

interested to know how the door hinges are attached to the mdf linings. What type of screws? Mdf not good for screwing into and holding heavy weights...

[@Goodwithwood69]

Been doing that for years, learned it off a yank, he called it a door buck.

[@johncurrie2802]

Great video Robin We have just fitted 11 fire doors and frames and had the benedit of cutting walls to suit our new frames so we did this but used a fire door blank cut down to the required size. Worked a treat. Just like hanging door sets really.

[@pauloconnor9459]

Door jig is a very smart idea

[@Crooks103]

This is an incredible method. Proper thinking

[@daviddickson7494]

Great work and perfect timing. Have the same problem and was looking for a good solution. Thanks for sharing

[@ukconstruction]

No problem 👍

[@bigboundsy]

Looks a ball ache! I’ve always fixed my hinge side then fixed my closing side to the door when it’s swinging!!

[@rodgerq]

Haha! Mad Gary! Good video and that door substitute is a great idea!

[@chrishollingsworth1980]

Hi robin, just watched your video on door linings how much clearance do you have on each side of the door before putting on the hinges

[@moomastico]

priceless banter

[@tomreviews9668]

Already bought one of the hinge jigs shown- I can confirm it works well!

[@sickoftheleftwingscum]

Where did you purchase it my good man ? 👍😁

[@storegga]

Cracking idea Robin great video or 'lecture' shall we say once again . You can tell Jason now that you do all the jobs big and small or showing KZbin how to do it while he's lecturing!!

[@josephthompson4363]

As usual, a great informative video

[@michaelplays2449]

Great video, thanks Robbin.....Stay Safe !

[@danielcookeb90]

Brilliant video and great analysis of softwood vs mdf. How many "jigs" do you have??? Jeez! Millions!!!🤣🤣

[@iangascoigne967]

Great idea maybe take the middle out of the mdf due to access issues If existing walls are out of plumb and in twist potentially comes down to do you put frame to the wall or happy medium or spot on plumb/level

[@jasonald71]

Good stuff as ever, I'm always dubious about the fixing strength in mdf though for the door hinges tbh. Pre packaged softwood frames are awful and I've had to take loads back due to twisting/cupping etc or had to try and fix them on true with fixings which creates a real job that can take a lot of time. The foam is a great idea aswell, upvc doors have been set like this for ages, sometimes frame fixing isnt the best so anything helps. Downstairs for dancing, upstairs for thinking. Mr Clevett is always thinking.😉

[@Couldntthinkof1gudenuff]

Brilliant video! Definitely my favourite channel 👍🏻

[@lukeharrop6467]

Hi robin , got 30 door linings , all 2 foot 9 to put in on a new build. Thinking of making one or 2 or these jigs for putting them in. Do you think it will work well from your past experience.

[@jamiestott3371]

Great idea. Always look forward and watch your videos. Top chippie 👍🏻

[@markbruton6967]

got to do this exact job in the next couple of weeks and i've just ordered your hinge jig as well, so hopefully fully armed to give it a go!

[@thetessellater9163]

Couldn't ask for a more skillful example to emulate, Mark, good luck.

[@garethkortegast7002]

What s fantastic idea robin. Why didn't I think of that 👍

[@vicinglis3736]

Hi Robin, had to take a second look at the date, 1st April don't think I could go through and back the bottom opening of that jig even I my slim time on site. Nice one ( how did you appear on both slides, or perhaps twoooo doors in that room).. lol

[@ukconstruction]

I can fit through!!!!

[@vicinglis3736]

@@ukconstruction .. well done Mr C keep the vids coming.

[@davidgoodwin8232]

Good idea, but not when other trades are around.

[@whomadethatsaltysoup]

Yeah, but exactly when are other trades not around? Dream on...😉

[@68bwild]

Plumbers what would we laugh about if they weren't onsite.......painters I guess. Good stuff Robin.

[@janislucins850]

Hi Robin! What would be the best way to waterproof MDF door linings, especially the bottom? Can they be used for bathroom?

[@paulmaryon9088]

Great jig/former, thinking it could also be adapted to do hinge jig at the same time? Excellent vids thanks for posting

[@paulyoull5472]

Good video robin as usual. It would be nice to see more on the fixings into block work. I find it crumbles even with the concrete fixing. In relation to the hinge jig, have you gone away from using the trend jig?

[@ph110760]

I’m surprised someone hasn’t come up with a skeleton door jig , adjustable to different door sizes , IE Trend . Could be made adjustable to suit , 2’3 ,2’6 ,2’9 etc, using same sides but a different head pice to suit, made like the skeleton hinge jig , easily storable in your van , and easier to move on site

[@ukconstruction]

Hi Phil watch this space!!! we have something in the pipeline!!!

[@ph110760]

@@ukconstruction definitely will Robin, been in the building and construction trade for 40 years now, love your tips and explanations, I can also see a top class tradesman 👏

[@regiondeltas]

See, now I'm irritated at myself. Fitted my first door lining this weekend - had plenty of time, and wanted to get it spot on. Considered doing almost exactly what you've done here and squaring and fixing it all up perfectly out of situ, but I'd never seen anybody do it. Still very happy with the end result (not that there's a door in it yet!) but wish I'd followed my idea now!

[@R1Max.]

Bit of long shot but would love to hear your opinions on your hikoki 36v mitre saw! Really considering getting one! Thanks

[@martinroberts5577]

This looks like a live. Great stuff

[@Chris-uu6dg]

Hi Robin, thank you for your fantastic content!! Can I just ask you, can MDF linings take the weight of a 28kg door?? Thanks Chris

[@ukconstruction]

Hi Chris, the Mdf is definitely strong enough for a door that weight, you want to use a pair and a half of butt's though, hope that helps!

[@Chris-uu6dg]

@@ukconstruction Thank you so much for your quick reply Robin, that's reassuring that it can take that kind of door weight. Really appreciate your help! Chris

[@richardstrange7629]

Really good content Mr Clevett . I know you must have considered it , but why not router the hinges into the frame , before fixing ??

[@ianfinch1522]

I would say then you have the option to swing the door either way.

[@eliteflooringsussex5911]

At least the plumber wasn't driving you mad... Great video as usual

[@jwsonsdevelopmentsltd4035]

Robin, great idea. So the former is presumably around 765mm if fitting a 762mm door?

[@leehalling8635]

More like 768 I'd expect

[@SandyMiller737]

I’d like to know that as well. How much gap are you allowing around please Robin?

[@jjamo5]

Thats bloody Genius!!!!

[@paulsaunders3700]

Simple but brilliant

[@torvaldalexander4906]

Massive efforts to make a blog, so respect, but you are on site. Never seen you loose your cool but as I said efforts to produce and pass on knowledge is not easy with others lumbering into your channel xx We all love your channel and glean information from it along with fantastic product reviews. Keep it up sir. Love the team xx you have a dedicated following

[@danielspendley8202]

What a great idea!!!!

[@shaunglendinning]

Great idea and fine job Robin! Appreciated. Cheers

[@Ianf1x]

Great vid I was loving it when you got annoyed . I am like that every time I work with people who acts like a clown

[@tomsmith9048]

Your jobs must be good craic 🙄🔨

[@petergibbins4930]

Just purchased a hinge jig thanks! You need more tools and jigs in your shop 😂

[@ChickenDinnerz]

Great vid thanks. At a push, could this work with a cheap door the same size, with the middle cut out?

[@ukconstruction]

Yes, absolutely, provided you add on for the gaps around the door that you finally want

[@danthechippie4439]

Do you have any concerns about the weight of the doors hanging from mdf liners? As you know mdf has two tough strong outer cores but a much softer inner core. If the doors were being hung without receiving for the hinges you be laughing but as we normally recess our hinges that removes that outer hard core and the screws can only grab that soft inner core unless you use longer screws and break through to the other outer core which leaves screws sticking out. Great form idea

[@ski7470]

Would you keep the door frame slightly proud of the wall if the wall is being plastered?

[@georgeoldridge]

How It looks difficult to access the room to foam the lining on both sides when the mdf jig/form is in place .

[@ukconstruction]

I can fit through!!!

[@liamcowan4114]

Hi Robin love watching your content, I'm always learning faster easier methods from yourself. Could you please tell us the company where you purchase your mdf door linings from.

[@ukconstruction]

Hi Liam, these are from @cutwrights if you Google them for a number, call them and tell them your a mate of mine!!!!

[@johnmorrissey1675]

Great idea if you have a few doors to swing , very impressed 👍👏🇮🇪🍀👋👋

[@robertgray8752]

Nice job, Robbin

[@chrisstjohn9403]

Robin i was just wondering that with all the time spent making the jig for the door, make one with less material as to make it easier to handle and even squeeze through, but obviously keeping its integrity. Do MDF linings ever twist or bend ever so slightly with only one screw hidden behind the jam.

[@ukconstruction]

Hi Chris, MDF door linings with the single screw hidden by the stops and in the middle of the substrate like the blockwork works well when packed correctly and foamed in, the linings stay as you fitted them and are not prone to twisting or bending either, and the jig took a short while to make but we will use that loads in the future so its worth the effort!!

[@bikecurious9163]

Hi Robin do you use much tulip people are mad for it up here for skirting arcs and linings

[@ukconstruction]

Up Where? and yes I love a bit of tulip!!

[@andrewjames9963]

What a good idea