Slot Mortising Machine

Here is a Slot Mortising machine I made a few years ago.
Ideal for cutting mortises for floating tenon joints, spline mitre work or any kind of slotting work.
Cost very little to build as most of the bits and pieces used were lying
about the shop. It's the cheapest machine I have and one of the handiest.
Attachment 4406Attachment 4407
The machine comprises X and Y sliding tables and Z adjustment by way of a threaded wheel operated by the large knob on the left rear. The height can also be locked by another knob at the rear. The mirror above the router bit is very handy when setting the length of the cut as it enables the blind area to be seen. The progress of the cut can also be viewed in the mirror. Stops each end are adjusted, set and locked down before the router is started. There is also a depth of cut stop which is not visible in the pictures.
Clamps hold the work down onto the table.
Finally, the mechanism at the front of the machine enables the passes to be controlled (1 turn of the black knob = 1/32") so that there is no stress on the machine and no danger of any damage to the work because of too deep a pass being taken.
This machine is always a topic of conversation when visitors are in the shop.

The movable table design is much simpler than the movable router. No complicated mechanisms whatsoever.

Al

Thanks Brendon! I've added your Slot Mortising Machine to our Woodworking category, as well as to your builder page: Brendon's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

<div id="blocks"> <div class="block b1 pngfix"> <div class="bimg"> <div> <a href="http://www.homemadetools.net/slot-mortising-machine-2"><img src="http://www.homemadetools.net/uploads/127326/slot-mortising-machine-2.jpeg" /></a></div> </div> <div class="head pngfix"></div> <div class="left pngfix"></div> <div class="right pngfix"></div> <div class="blockover b1 pngfix"> <div class="title"> <a href="http://www.homemadetools.net/slot-mortising-machine-2">Slot Mortising Machine</a> <span> by <a href="/builder/Brendon">Brendon</a></span> </div> <div class="tags">tags: <a href="http://www.homemadetools.net/tag/mortiser">mortiser</a></div> </div> </div> </div>

Looks woderful. Is there more detail in addition to the two photos?

Hi Brendon,

Another great-looking piece of craftsmanship! Your Slot Mortising Machine is the 'Tool of the Week'!

As you've already received one of our official HomemadeTools.net T-shirts, we'd be glad to award you a $25 online gift card from GiftRocket.

Just let me have your email address (via PM) and we'll get things processed directly.

Congrats!

Ken

This thread has been moved to the Must Read subforum. Congrats (and thanks) to Brendon for making such a valuable contribution!

Thanks guys
B

Here are a few more pics.Attachment 4487Attachment 4488Attachment 4489Attachment 4490Attachment 4491.
The first one shows the clamping system; I have other attachments that I use for miter cuts etc. the 2nd pic shows the operating handle with the gizmo that controls depth of pass in the background. This is my favorite aspect of the machine as it allows me to control the depth of each pass down to 1/32" if necessary. The 3rd pic shows one of the stops. 4th pic shows the router cutter protruding through the back-plate and the handy mirror for viewing the blind side of everything. The last pic shows a useful spanner that I keep clipped to the machine; it is used for unlocking the collet when changing cutters.
Thanks to everyone for your interest and comments.
B

Great machine. How is the height adjusted? Can't figure out that third axis.

Hi Toller,
Height is adjusted by first loosening a knob at the rear that locks the router support plate
and then adjusting the height by turning the adjuster that is made from an old Record
clamp head. See pics. This cannot be seen from the front-view pictures.
Attachment 4503 Attachment 4504

B

Great work, looks fantastic. Ideal for production work. I actually enjoy chopping mortises and fitting tenons by hand, and I wager you have the tools, but perhaps not the leisure.