Does anyone have advice on which chain mortiser is worthy of buying. I had the Makita in minde from Timber Wolf tools. I ask this question because I haven't been able to find reviews about this tool online. Of course price is important, I'd even consider used if someone has one in good condition. Thanks!

I like the makita. A bit heavy to drag around perhaps, but it does the job. Takes a day or two to get used to the adjustments and gadgets involved... keep your chain and riser bars well oiled, you should be fine, I sharpen it myself with a round chainsaw file...

Mark...

Do you use a file guide or do you sharpen the chain freehand?

Joel

freehand, but very carefully. I sharpen the paired teeth with one stroke across both teeth.

Hello all!

I plan to pick one of these up next week. What is the thought on the chain size? It comes with a +- 3/4" but there is an option to buy a +- 1". The only difference I can see is 2 plunges on a 2" mortise over 3 plunges. Is there anything else I'm missing here?

Thanks.
Dan Dwelley

I find the 3/4 chain a good match for the power and engineering of the machine. like having the optimum bar length for your chainsaw. Another thing I've found is that it's best to cut around the outside of your mortice first, as the machine is more acurrate with no open side on the cut.

Thanks Mark! I'm planning a trip to Timber Wolf Tools next week. Since I've never used a chain mortiser before, they are going to show me how to use it and what it can do.

How many chains do you keep on hand? How often do they need sharpening?

Thanks again!
Dan

I like the makita also, but I have nothing to compare it too. I agree with Mark about the weight, but it sure does cut into pine quickly. If you use canola oil be sure to apply it often.

I have one chain, and sharpen weekly or so. I have not hit any dirt or other foreign objects yet.... so it's not like the chainsaw which gets sharpened every day. I also use veggie oil as a lube for the machine.

Mark et al...
Thanks again for the advice! My wife and I visited Timberwolf Tools today and drove away with a new Makita chain mortiser. Very nice folks at Timberwolf. Kate took the time to show us how to operate the motiser as well as some other pointers. Great investment as far as I can see!

Thanks again!
Dan