I've been using a wooden Snell and a MF (yes I bought into the hype ) on our project and gotta admit I like the wooden framed machine. Which work for us, since Tammy likes her MF and we can double the output


BTW Gable, I think a lot of us are still waiting for the vid of that sexy one legged machine you showed a sneak pic of a while ago...lol

Ok Tim, we need to see how you "adapted new gears". They are bevel spur gears right? What machine is it?

Oh, and if you're using a boring machine alot, it can count for half your gym workout for the day.

frwinks, that's a clean looking MF! The chuck looks brand new. You got some new parts on that?

Funny you should mention that -- we just got her going again yesterday and she's working great. We are now cutting a frame with only handtools, so I'll shoot some video next week and put it up.

Here is another boring video. The machine is in high gear and the 2"bit has the finest threads I could find. If I was to use the low gears I would have inserted the course thread 2" bit, it still wouldn't have been as fast. The mortice is just 3" deep, I have already completed the other half of the through mortice from the other side. White pine and it is frozen making it a little more difficult, you can see the bit gets hung up as it catches in the bottom of the mortice from the other side. These are 43'-6"x10" top plates, all from the same tree, made up from three pieces, one cut in half and spliced to the other long two sticks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0Rpyd_XScY

Brad, you are probably familiar with the type of gears I used, they came out of the front pumpkin on a 4x4 Ford F-250, the spider gears. We also used some out of a Toyota Tercel that worked good too, you get two sets. I spun the ring and pinion off plowing snow years back, I was amazed how little machining was needed to make them work.

Tim

Hi Tim,

I am impressed with both your mechanical skills and video making prowess. This takes information supply to a whole new level.

Regards

Ken Hume

Ken, this type of conversation, via video and sometimes you don't even have to say anything, has been talked about here by us before, as well as other on line avenues. I think it is a step above still pictures for sure. I may not be as flashy as some outfits, but I can still get the work done, I am just getting started. Thanks.

Tim

Nicely done Tim.

You can embed that video right here so folks don't have to cross over to the YouTube site. There's a little icon next to the image insert button on the 'Full Reply' screen. Press that, select which service you are using, and it will appear in the body of a post like this:

you have that thing humming for sure, Tim.
Nicely done and thanks for taking the time.

we shot a short demo video of the W. Ball machine this morning, but I'll have to upload it later.

Here's what it comes down to:

1) Mallet, chisel, saw, bit/brace-less than $275- I'll be working mostly alone and not full time, summer in the Adirondacks is too short to get it done.

2) Handheld electric drill, bit, chisel clean up. About $400, will be difficult at the start to get accurate mortises by eye.

3) Add a drill guide like ProTool 460. Cost about $900 all together, could get about 1/2 back at the end of the season.

4) Antique boring machine 250-700. Forget the analysis, my shoulders (rotator cuff) wouldn't make it.

5) Makita chain mortiser. $1000 used, 1300 new, probably 850 back at the end of the summer. Does tongue/finger joints too. Tempting, anybody have one in good condition for sale?

Carl

For a used Makita, make "wanted post" in this tool Forum, also keep an eye on ebay(you can set up a search that will automatically notify you if one comes up), watch the for sale section of Scantlings, search Craigslist occasionally (use google to do a search for "craigslist makita chain" or similar searches). You can also do a general google web search or shopping search.

FYI, there's two used ones on ebay right now, one starting at $600 and one in an ebay store for more. Don't forget to consider the shipping cost.

There's one on Craigslist in Montana for $500.