Mortising Machine

[JasonW]

Got rid of my Domino jointer a few days ago so I could pick up a bench top mortising machine. Ever since I used one to build our living room tables, I wanted to get one.

Picked up the 3/4 hp, Shop Fox from Amazon. It should be here early next week. I'm going to use it to build wood storm sashes mostly. All the old windows I work on have a through tenon and then a dowel that locks it in. I think that will be a much better joint than the Domino, especially for exterior applications.

Once I get this thing I'm going to do a few mock ups as sample to take for sales calls. I'll post some pics.

I love it when new toys are on the way!:grin:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81UMxaeycxL._AA1500_.jpg

[Absolute Basements]

Great idea.

Of course, we'll need pics to prove it has arrived, and some samples have been created....

[DavidC]

Good deal Jason. You'll realize a real time savings with all the window work you'll be doing.

In my entire career I've had 2 jobs totaling 4 wooden storms that I built as you described using the mortise and tenon with the dowel lock. Tenons were cut on the table saw but the mortises were first drilled out, then cleaned up with a chisel. I doubt the jobs were real money makers but still stand out as some of my most enjoyable work.

Enjoy the new toy, and don't forget the pics.

Good Luck
Dave

[JasonW]

All the reviews I read had this one as the most appealing to me. Most bench top models are only 1/2 hp. I should be able to run a 1" mortise chisel with this one.

The only complaints I found with this one is that the shipping package is horrible. Lot's of complaints about broken bases due to the poor packaging. I'm hoping to dodge that bullet. If not, I'll do like the rest and order the replacement parts. Everyone seemed happy with it once they got things ironed out.

[OGStilts]

Can you explain the difference to me between this and a drill press with a mortising bit?

[Leo G]

Much more leverage with the dedicated machine. The mortising bits are virtually identical.

[JasonW]

Also, these come with easy to adjust fences and a hold down. You could rig that up on a converted drill press but set up time would take longer.

I've never used a converted drill press for mortising but many of the reviews for these machines were from people who are switching from drill presses. They all said this is a much nicer way to go.

[Absolute Basements]

I have one on an old Delta drill press. Got it probably 20 yrs ago. It came with a hold down very similar to the mortising machines.

I rarely use it for what I do, but when i need it, its great to have.

I'm sure a dedicated machine would be even better.

No matter what type of machine, drill bit depth inside the mortising chisel is critical.

[Splinter]

I have the Delta 1/2hp mortiser.... The hold down fence kinda sucks, but it is still better than some jury rigged setup on a drill press table. I picked it up for peanuts when someone posted a killer Amazon deal over at Woodnet. A lot of guys had issues with broken pieces because they were shipped in the manufacturers box. UPS kicked the crap out of them. I got lucky, no damage. I think I've used it twice in 4 years....

[JasonW]

Alex, how is the 1/2 hp? Is it enough to get through hardwood with a 5/8" chisel?

[Splinter]

I never used a chisel that big with the machine, but the 1/2" went through hard maple easily. I got frustrated with the poor fence on it and threw it under a work bench... Been there collecting dust for two years now.

[WarnerConstInc.]

Other then seeing the thru-tennon, you could accomplish the same thing with a large domino and still drill and pin it.

[JasonW]

I really don't trust that Domino for exterior stuff like windows. With a thicker, wider, true tenon going all the way through the side rails, it will be much more stable for a longer period of time.

I think the Domino has a lot of great uses. I just don't think this is one of them and I certainly don't want to take the risk and have to be the one to go back and fix it. The largest domino is only about an inch and a half long. That's 3/4" holding on each side of a 2 1/8" rail. Not enough for exterior use IMO.

[WarnerConstInc.]

I will be taking the risk on a couple house's full of wood storms.

TB III and a domino should do the trick imo.

Hope your new machine works out the way you want it to.

[JasonW]

I will be taking the risk on a couple house's full of wood storms.

TB III and a domino should do the trick imo.

Hope your new machine works out the way you want it to.

We'll have to check back in 100 years to see who made out better:laugh3:

I'm sure the Domino will be fine. I need to gear more towards traditional methods because, at time's, I'll need to replicate surrounding storms. I can't afford to have every tool so I gotta keep the tool list down to what makes the most sense for me.

Take some pictures when you build them. I'd like to see how they turn out:2thumbsup:

[WarnerConstInc.]

I will write a note to my grandkids with the address!!

[JasonW]

Looks like this thing will be here tomorrow night. Fingers are crossed that nothing is broken!

[JasonW]

Well, I went out to meet the UPS truck when he showed up and noticed the box was damaged. I saw on of the straps was missing from the same side as the damage.

Here's what I got...

EbGdsTMq0bU

FgD9fj3_VCk

The good news is amazon is overnighting a new one to me. I asked what I should do if the thing comes in the same shape and she said she's making notes so it won't. I have no idea what that means but the second time seems to be the charm for most.

Only the base was broken. No clue why they wouldn't just have shopfox send me a new base...:rolleyes3:

[Leo G]

Well that sucks. I guess another day or two and you will be able to try again.

[DavidC]

Now what are you going to play with tonight?

Bummer, but maybe they will have great customer service and take care of it promptly.

Good Luck
Dave

[JasonW]

Now what are you going to play with tonight?

Good Luck
Dave

The wife has a headache, double bummer!:mad:

[Leo G]

That leave just yourself :laugh3:

[JasonW]

Box #2 came with no problems! Got it all set up last night.:grin:

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs013.snc6/166322_198192876860743_100000100970341_812261_3889 810_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs773.ash1/166322_198192880194076_100000100970341_812262_8164 806_n.jpg

[Leo G]

Drilling square holes, what a concept.

[JasonW]

Yeah, I watched a guy on youtube doing this with a drill and a chisel. I wanted to pull my hair out after watching for 5 minutes! If you had 10 holes to do, a small machine like this would pay for itself by the end of those 10 holes.

[Leo G]

Where's the challenge in that LOL