Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Jan 04, 2006 09:00pm | #1

   Most reasonably heavy duty drill presses can be fitted with mortising attachments.  However, it is not an ideal set up.  The drill press bearings, etc. aren't well suited for the forces involved with a mortise chisel.  This tends to mean a bit less precision in the mortise. 

   In addition, it is generally a PITA to go between one set up and the other.  This is probably the biggest factor for most.

2. 
   Michael | Jan 04, 2006 09:54pm | #2

   The recommendation by many before me is to get a good drill press (good bench or floor model) and use a mortise chisel.  Satisfaction is much higher and quality of mortises is superior.

   As mentioned though, the drill press attachments *can* work, but only with heavy babysitting.

   Michael

3. 
   joinerswork | Jan 05, 2006 06:25pm | #3

   GY Crow,

   I have an old Sears drill press (floor model) that I bought new in '75.  I use it mostly for mortising in my custom furniture business.  It has its shortcomings, but does a pretty good job.  I've used the delta benchtop mortiser, and the Sears is no worse than that in terms of accuracy, and can accept larger stock so is more versatile.  It takes about 3-5 min to change over to drilling, but I don't use it as a drill often enough for that to be a big issue.

   Regards,

   Ray Pine

4. 
   mudman | Jan 06, 2006 02:56am | #4

   Once set up a drill press will work as well as a mortising machine. The only issue is you don't get nearly the leverage on the drill press handle compaired to a mortiser's handle. There is no difference in the bearings, in fact dollar for dollar a decient drill press has larger heavier bearings. The only real problem is the set up. If you only set it up once or twice a year then it is probably not worth loosing the space. But if you will be using it once a month then it may be worth it. Personally I would give up my drill press before the mortiser. I use the mortiser too often. The only thing the drill press does that I would really miss is drill doors for hinge cups, and I used to do that with a cordless drill. If you are going to get a mortising machine don't get the bottom of the line model, get a rack and pinion fence and ,if possible, a model where the fence rides in channels so it will stay square to the bit during adjustment.

   Mike

5. 
   RickL | Jan 06, 2006 03:52pm | #5

   Used commercial chain,  chisel and Maka  mortisers for many years  but the horizontal slot mortiser is far superior in speed and accuracy as well as use of loose tenons. Probably the least known way of mortising to the hobbyist but once you try it you won't regret it.

   http://www.woodcentral.com/cgi-bin/messages.pl?read=252141

   See the link on the G0540 as a inexpensive option.

   
   

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   Edited 1/6/2006 10:41 am ET by RickL