Doors and Windows - How do i cut the bottom off of 6-panel masonite doors?

Hey friends

i have one more thing for to do before all my work is done in the soon-to-be carpeted finished basement

after the carpet goes in next week, i need to put up 2 masonite 6-panel bi-fold doors for a closet...the finished opening is exactly 72" wide and approx 74" tall...the door i got is for a finished opening of up to 72" wide (so thats perfect), but the height of the doors are 79"...so i'll be cutting approx 5" off the bottom....others have told me it can be done..but since the door is not wood...it takes alittle more work

any advice on whats the easiest way to do this...im sticking with these doors for sure...i already painted them with 2 coats..and they were cheap..only $23 each..normally $44

something about two blocks in the bottom that i need to take out and peel of the bottom strip and then make my cut and then glue the blocks back in and then put the strip that i eeled off back on the new bottom?

is this what i do...is it easy? can i use a regular hand saw?

thanks
brett

You can use a hand saw..... if you're really good. I prefer a circular saw or even better........ a table saw.... for a straight cut.

Mark your cut line... and score the top of the surface - with a straightedge and sharp blade - well to avoid splinters when you cut. Some folks use masking tape too though I've never tried it.

When your through cutting, you will find the door is "hollow"... and the piece you cut off has a "plug" in it. Using a wood chisel.... remove the old door pieces and glue from the plug - in essence, clean it up - re-insert it into the bottom of the newly cut door with good glue - clamp it tight and let dry. Use a little sandpaper to clean up your edges... and you're good to go!

Is it easy.... I guess that depends on your definition of "easy"... your tool inventory... and your DIY skills.....

If you don't have a table saw [to awkward with door for me anyway] you can clamp a piece of wood unto the door to use as a fence. This will allow for a straight cut with circular saw or even a sabre saw.

I need to take off about 1/2" off a door. Can I just cut the door without having to take out the bottom plug? I'm assume the plug is an 1" or 2" wide.

Yep... make your cut... if you have a plug left in the bottom of the door (tap it lightly to make sure it's more than paper thin).... you're good to go.... if not... you'll have to salvage what you cut off..

thanks for tips

now about that beer.....

You're too late... it's already after 9