Replies

1. 
   john_c2 | Feb 19, 2024 07:40pm | #1

   I have a dedicated mortiser. A Powermatic floor model. The only jig I ever used was for a router. It was in an article by Tage Frid which you can find on this site.

2. 
   gary_vaiskauckas | Feb 19, 2024 08:20pm | #2

   I made this router mortising jig based upon FWW: How to Cut Mortises with a Plunge Router Ed Pirnik / Jeff Miller. I added an additional t-track to the face to use as a stop for the work. It works well within the size limitations of the jig.

   https://www.finewoodworking.com/2015/05/27/how-to-cut-mortises-with-a-plunge-router

   I use this if I need to mortise something that exceeds capabilities the above jig. I securely clamp the work when using this method. It's faster to set up but not quite as clean a mortise as the router.

   Mike Farrington: Drill Press Mortising made easy using End Mills.

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZN1bT9RicI

   I've also used the two fence router method similar to this article:

   https://www.finewoodworking.com/2005/10/25/two-fence-router-mortising

   Cheers,

   Gary

3. 
   ysu65 | Feb 20, 2024 06:56am | #3

   I did a bunch with a router, worked fine. Then I bought the HF mortiser and modified a x-y vise to hold and move the work. Not a super machine but better than the router. $90 I think. I do hobby work, fine for me.

4. 
   rob_ss | Feb 21, 2024 12:51am | #4

   I have in the past simply made a tray that limited the router base movement to desired distance, but generally I cut mortises by hand.
   Unless they are very deep or I am making a lot of them, it's quicker to chop manually.
   I also quite like that part as there is a great satisfaction in using a sharp chisel - this is the same reason I don't own a Domino or a CNC - I think they are superb machines, but it's just not how I want to work right now.

5. 
   ola_carmonius | Feb 29, 2024 05:53pm | #5

   I'm still quite satisfied with mine even if it's a few years old and I would do things a little different if I made a new version of it. Strongly prefer to run with dual fences compared to the ones using a guide bushing. Only advantages imo. https://youtu.be/KBoim06Hmyg?si=UmgeYktyC8ul92ZK