Looking for mortise drill press - Woodworking Talk

kziggy · 03-24-2009, 08:28 PM

Looking for a mortise drill press. I posted entry under Tools forum but didn't get a response. Thought I'ld try here. I've looked at HF but was hesitant about buying power tool from them. Any suggestions/what to look for? Thanks - Ken

rocklobster · 03-24-2009, 09:09 PM

I don't own one, so someone will likely have better advice for you, but I did shop around for one before finally deciding against it (I just don't cut enough mortises).

From what I read, though, the HF machine is not a good deal. I found lots of complaints. The best deal for the money seemed to be free shipping on a Delta for $239 at Amazon.com. I read plenty of good things about the Jet, too, but it cost more.

Good luck.

Rob

mmtools · 03-25-2009, 10:15 AM

Look at the Steel City mortiser Model# 25200. It is well made comes with 5 chisel/bits. I like it because it is a lot better construction and more accurate than HF brand. A little more $$$ but worth it!

Nate1778 · 03-25-2009, 10:40 AM

I have owned a Jet bench top mortiser for a year now, have used it twice. BUT when I used it, it made cutting mortises feel like butter. Lightning quick and perfectly square. Bought mine on Craigs List for $125. I would start there, unless you just have to by one now, then buy new.

Texas Malamute · 03-25-2009, 01:12 PM

I have a Craftsman that I use on a semi-regular basis, I recommend it. I shopped around a bit and found that it gave me the most bang for my buck. Since I was a member of their club craftsman I think I paid around $180-$190 for it a little less than a year ago.

Wood4Fun · 03-25-2009, 04:52 PM

I Craigslisted my mortiser after trying router mortises a couple times.... I like the router method much better. It is easier to do a jig that will insure you are centered, you get cleaner holes, it is faster.

Sure you either have to square up the ends or round off the tenon, but either is pretty easy. I round off the tenon with a few sweeps of the file and be done with it.
Have thought about doing floating tenons with a double mortise, but haven't done that yet

Itchy Brother · 03-25-2009, 05:20 PM

Bought a delta with 4 diff size bits from cl for $60 just cause it was so cheap but have yet to use it lol!

kziggy · 03-26-2009, 08:07 PM

Itchy - I'm sure I'm showing my inexperience here, but who is cl?

Thanks to all for your input. I've tried the router method but I'm not quite skilled enough as yet to get the jigs just right. I'm working on my first piece in the Arts and Craft design and I'm trying to stay as true to the joinery as possible. It aint easy and some of the work has to be through trial and error. Guess we all have to start someplace. I hope to be able to post some pics by mid-summer. - Ken

kziggy · 03-26-2009, 08:29 PM

Itchy - Followup - The light bulb just went on. Craigs List!! Got it.
Thanks.

Verndog · 03-30-2009, 12:01 AM

I just bought the Steel City 25200 and after practicing doing a few cuts it seems to be very accurate. I found more consistent results using a small Irwin style clamp to hold the wood firmly against the fence. Seems to be very well made. I did have to shim one leg of the fence with a piece of thin cardboard to make the fence true. As with a lot of things original setup would be critical. Can't wait to use it on one of my future planned projects. I never seem to be lucky enough to find what I want on CL. If I do it's already sold. I'm probably just to impatient.

Vern

top · 03-30-2009, 01:11 AM

man the way to go is with a JET i have had one for years never had one oz of trouble GOOD LUCK

"THE SHOP OF TOP"

windstorm · 03-30-2009, 08:29 AM

I'm about to attempt my first mortise on my router table. I've seen it done on a video, but I'm nervous because it requires some pretty exact measurements & since my board is upside down, I would be doing a "blind cut" (I think that's what it's called). In the video I watched, the final bit height was set & the woodworker removed a series of 1/4" shims, lowering the work onto the bit & gradually making the cut until the final "pass" was flat on the table top. I'll use a scrap piece until I get the positioning perfect, but I'm hoping some of you might have some tips on how to do this properly. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

Whoops. I meant to post this as separate thread & didn't realize I was still in this thread, but since it's a related topic, maybe that's okay.