Pat Barber writes:
It was fairly clear that the post was concerning
"how to build a exterior door", which is certainly
not a trivial or reasonable thing to expect from what
appears to be a complete novice.

Why didn't you explain the typical cost involved in
such a project ?

(1) Finding clear and perfect kiln dried lumber

Doable, and FWIW, it need be neither; albeit both help.

(2) Tools and shop setup for door making

Only if you're making 100 doors. One-off doors can be built
entirely with hand tools (How do you think they made the original
in 1860whatever?)

(3) Special tools required for all door hardware.

Really? A chisel can't be used to make the hinge mortices?
A forstner bit can't drill the hole for the knob hardware?
A spade bit can't be used to drill the deadbolt hole?

(4) Door hardware

Doable.

(5) Knowledge of how to hang the door in what is
almost certainly not a perfect opening.

Difficult, but not impossible.

(6) Proper finish

A bit of research is all that's necessary here.

(7) door making skill set

What better way than to learn on the job?


The tool set required for the lockset and hinges
is several hundred dollars.

Oh bolongne. If you're doing 100 doors, this would
be nice, but for a single door? Give me a break.

scott