Mortice Sled for Router Table
steven_woodward
| Posted in Jigs, Fixtures, Tips & Tricks on
Easy to make sled for cutting mortices on a router table.
Works with any table that has a router lift.
Raise the bit while sliding sled back and forth.
Stops limit the travel of sled to control length of mortise.
Replies
Steven
Very nice jig! I've been thinking of making a mortising jig but yours looks like a great solution.
w
this is awesome! Thanks for sharing.
Is the router lift stable/accurate enough to not get any shifts/widening of the mortice when cutting at multiple heights?
Good question. I wondered the same.
I found the mortice looked very clean when I raised the bit 1/16" for each pass of the sled. When I raised the bit 1/8" per pass the mortice looked a little rough inside, but still good. So I guess there is a little deflection when too much side force on the router bit. I now stick with about 1/16" per pass. I do not lock the lift during this process.
The router lift I am using is a JessEm Mast-R-Lift II (actually the Incra version of the lift which is the same inside). This lift is a firm construction on the lifting mechanism.
I think it will work ok with some lifts but maybe not with all. I stick to my "standard" morticing jig for plain straight mortices but your idea is good for angled mortices or mortices at a curve.
Even after 15 years of use mine is still extremely accurate. Old woodpeckers version.
Raise the bit while morticing? Sounds too cumbersome to me.