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Which mortising machine

4K views 50 replies 31 participants last post by  ssnvet 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I am considering purchasing a mortising machine for a couple of projects on my list. It seems most reviews have their fair share of negative things ranging from crummy fence to hold downs.
UGH

What would you suggest…budget is flexible say under $500.
 
#3 ·
I have a Jet JBM-5 … it is a good machine, but has some drawbacks.

The fence lacks any rack-n-pinion or micro-adjust mechanism … here's a review I did on it several years ago:
http://lumberjocks.com/reviews/1099
I have had this machine for going on seven years, and have no plans to replace it.

On my list of things to do is installation of a cross-vise that will replace the table and fence altogether … here is an article that describes what I plan to do … http://mysite.verizon.net/vze6zvlk/id12.html
 
#5 ·
The challenge with mortisers is their a costly investment relative to the number of times their used. THAT said…see the following:

If you're willing to be patient, you'll eventually find an excellent high-end mortise on Craigslist. I purchased my Powermatic for $150.

If you believe you need a new tool then the Powermatic is considered the top of the line followed by the Jet with the Shop Fox being considered quite admirable for most tasks (i.e. consider whether you'll need a 2HP machine for oak, etc).

I did some research on the drill press mortising attachments and whereas several were spoken of as being suitable, I've always had a 'flinch' factor when it comes to items like that. It's the proverbial 'universal' tool concept. Yes…it can do most of what it claims to do but rarely does any of them very well. Just my bias…

Finally…you probably already know which direction to head based on your anticipated use of the tool, the frequency of using it, and your cost parameters. Most of us here are tool 'junkies' by nature…wanting the 'mega-unit' to use one a year (see me in that category). My rule of thumb is that tools I use all the time I purchase high-end and new…the 'blue-moon' tool but still want quality…Craigslist, the rare use…low-end stuff and take my chances.

Hope this helps…
 
#9 ·
I have a drill press mortiser that I've use many, many times in the past 20 or so years. For the number of times that I've used it, it has paid for itself many times over. I have coveted a dedicated mortiser for many years but could never justify the cost per use factor.

I'm sure that a real one would be easier to use but….....
 
#11 ·
Lots of good info and suggestions presented here. Thanks.

Hmmm…I have one of those milling vises. 'Course it is a HF Model and not as fancy as the one in the article but it should work. I need to study the article some more. My vise might not fit. UGH!

The Jet model is right in the middle of my price range.

Still thinking…
Mike
 
#12 · (Edited by Moderator)
I have a Jet mortiser and the hold down is bad enough that I decided I needed something better. Ultimately, I purchased the Mortise Pal as a replacement. I have used it for making a set of chairs and am very pleased with the ease of use, the accuracy of the mortises and the flexibility of the jig. I think it is worth a look. Here is an in-depth review. However, you also need an appropriate router and bits to use the Mortise Pal. HTH
 
#17 ·
I'm in the same position and checking out the different machines. I'm partial to PowerMatic and leaning to the model 701, currently on sale for $489. Does anyone have thoughts, and preferably hands on experience with the PM 701?
 
#19 ·
I spend as much time with a soft-blow hammer trying to get the wood off the chisel of my Jet mortiser as the time it saves in making the mortise. The hold down does not work. I like the Ray Iles mortising chisels. Makes me feel like a boat-builder on the Thames River.
 
#20 ·
I bought a Jet Mortising machine at Menards…It was new but had been there for a long time. I can't remember what I paid for it but it was pretty cheap…..I was not impressed with the table and the hold downs are just ok..I built the "Shopnotes" version of a table and it made it more usable.
Mike
 
#21 ·
I bought a Craftsman mortiser last year off craigslist just before the were discontinued for $150.00. I really like it, the handle isn't like the jet it has a L shaped to it. I like the fence on the Craftsman it has a micro adjustment and the hold down is about the same as the jet. There is a review someone did couple years ago. I don't regret buy this tool. The only thing that was bad with it was the chisels and bits.
 
#24 ·
I'm surprised some guys don't use theirs much. I guess it depends what you like to make. I like to make A&C stuff, so I use it every single project. I wouldn't even think about making a set of dining chair without one. Anyway, I have the shopfox and I like it alright. I have now doubt the powermatic is a better machine if a guy can swing it.
 
#25 · (Edited by Moderator)
I appreciate all your comments. I don't think I am any closer to making a decision other than making the decision to buy one…whatever that may be.

I have been reading the reviews and watching videos. It seems the hold down on most of the machines isn't very good. Some complaints of poor fence adjustment and krummy tables pop up regularly.

My thinking is I can make a table if that is all that is required to make the machine work better. Also, a cros slide vise can be had locally if mine won't fit the footprint of the machine…or I can buy the Powermatic and be done with it. Except it doesn't come with the chisel sets which are costly.

Maybe I just need to get out in the shop and do some sanding for a couple of hours. That should help clear my head! :)
 
#26 ·
Forgot to mention … the Jet chisels were OK, but after several years use, I replaced them with the premium hollow chisels and bits from Lee Valley. Out of the box, they were head and shoulders above the Jets. I tune them up occasionally with the diamond cones Lee Valley sells.
 
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