Mortising attachment

Delta makes one; it has adapters to attach to different spindle sizes. They work, but not great. I’ve used the Delta, and for light occasional work, they can be useful. I wouldn’t want to plan to use it extensively.

A stand alone mortiser works much better, if you can justify the cost.

-- John

I don’t know of the DP you have Pat but I would echo the previous post, I wouldn’t waste my time with them. I had one for my DP, it was about as useful as a chocolate fire guard.

For a few extra pennies a cheap dedicated mortiser would serve you much better. Just my two cents worth.

Good luck.

David

-- No one plans to fail, they just, just fail to plan

I have a mortising attachment for my drill press and I like it just fine.
I like using a very low speed to keep the bit cool.
And I can mortise into the edges of very wide boards.
The downside is that once it is set up for mortising, I don’t have a drill press.
But that isn’t a problem for me.

-- Greg D. -- the price of freedom is tolerance

You need to check the diameter of the quill first to make sure one of these attachments fits. I have a Ridgid DP and the Delta attachments did not fit. I bought a yoke from Grizzley(60mm)and it worked fine. Frankly I feel they are a waste of money.(mine collects dust)
Like others stated,if it’s in the budget get a dedicated machine. I have a HF that does a respectable job although I would not go into production with it. Sometimes I just cut them by hand. Not that hard to do either.

-- Don't rollerskate in a buffalo herd

I had a Delta attachment on my drill press and ended up thowing it out. Drill presses are simply not made to take the tough going associated with mortising. Just look at the length of the handle on a dedicated mortiser. It’s about twice as long or more compared to a drill press handle. There’s a reason for that ! Using this sort of atttachment might even trash the rack and pinion system on the drill press over time. Maybe OK for really small mortises in thin wood but that’s about it.

-- Dwight - "Free legal advice available - contact Dewey, Cheetam & Howe""

I have used the delta drill press type alot and have no issues with it. I have also used a stand alone machine and see no real advantage except for a high end machine will have the sliding positioner and other conveniences to speed things up. One advantage to the drill press type is that it is not taking up shop space when not being used as a stand alone would probably be doing…......................;-J

-- Joe in Pueblo West, Colo. jdelong264@msn.com

Good morning men, it seems like the majority is leaning towards a stand alone unit. I have been watching a Jet unit and hope to get talk to the owner this weekend. The reviews I’ve read seem to be very favorable now just have to work on the price. Thanks for the input much appreciated. Pat

-- ***Pat*** Rookie woodworker looking for an education!!!

Well, I wound up getting the Jet unit for $250 with 6 drill bits and chisels. It is like new and am very happy with the unit. Is there any links you could give me to help me with setting this up accurately? And tips for using it.

-- ***Pat*** Rookie woodworker looking for an education!!!