As the longtime operator of a one-man home-remodeling business, I’ve had plenty of door-hanging jobs over the years. Many were replacements for existing jambs that required mortising, trimming, and beveling work. I needed a way to hold a door securely while performing these operations.

I had some scrap oak 1x material left over from a cabinet job and made the adjustable door buck shown in the drawing. It consists of a base to which vertical and inclined rails are attached with gussets, and a tapered sled that slides along the inclined rail.

The sled is tapered at the same angle as the inclined rail so that as it rides up and down, its face remains parallel to the vertical rail. Extended side plates on the sled keep it aligned with the rail. The buck accommodates material from 1 in. to 2 in. thick. To prevent loss, a short length of rope keeps the sled loosely attached to the frame.

To use, simply lift up one end of the door, slide the base under the lower edge, and drop in the sled. It will seek its own level and clamp the door securely between the pair of arms. You now can rout, plane, or chisel without fear that the door will go astray.

The buck still rides around in the back of my truck for door-hanging jobs. I’m glad I made it out of hardwood and took the time to glue and screw the joints. Over the years, it has taken a beating, but it still does the job when called upon.

Richard Hoeflinger, Keaau, Hawaii

Edited and Illustrated by Charles Miller

From Fine Homebuilding #180