Bob...

Thank you for taking the time to reply. Much appreciated.

Good point about using a hanheld drill. Your right, I'm not a good candidate.

I'm starting to think the Makita chain mortiser makes the most sense for me. Less costly that the (beautiful) European tools, clamps to the work piece, flat mortiser bottom (I would of NEVER figured that one out until it was too late), and it's pretty fast.

BTW, I know a guy who didn't like the bouncing and vibration of the Makita, so he added hydralic cylinders. Using push botton switches mounted on the mortiser...one for "up", and one for "down". I'm not kidding...it's the slickest setup I've ever seen. The man is VERY intelligent and creative...makes me fell so dang humble.

Joel

Joel,

Now that you've decided on the Makita, you get to choose new or used. If looking for a used one, keep your eye here and in Scantlings. They show up every couple of months.

New you can find them at Timberwolf for 1395.00; at Baileys for 1295.00; or at Timberline Woodworkers Supply for 1250.00 through eBay. I've bought from all these guys and haven't had a problem.

Good Luck,
Bob

Bob --

I’ve been using my Ryobi DM 25-A Chisel Mortiser (now, no longer exported to America) on the Bennet Bridge restoration with great regularity, make your way up to a whole new latitude and we can compare notes.

http://www.maine.gov/mdot-stage/covered-bridges/bennett.php

Joel – I believe I’ve expressed my opinion on this forum before, that while I am pleased to own both varieties, were I asked to limit myself to one, I would opt for the far more versatile chain type.

Be your best.

This spring I bought a brand new Makita chisel mortiser from an import company in California. I don't have the name with me, as I am right now working in Antarctica. I had recieved a flier in the mail from them previously. I assumed they had got my name from the guild. So I do know that they can be found. I wish I could be more help. Maybe I could contact my family back home and find the address.

Scott...

I'd be VERY interested in the name of the company you bought the Makita chisel mortiser.

Would also appreciate your thoughts on the unit.

Thank you!

Joel

Will...

Being a newbie, I don't know what you mean by a chain mortiser being more versatile. Would greatly appreciate additional comments.

One person suggested that since my timber framing may be limited to 3 or so buildings, that a chisel mortiser would be of more value to me for things such as building decks, large indoor/outdoor furniture... What do you think?

Any comments on whether a chain or chisel mortiser would be easiest on a bad right should of a right handed person? I have reasonably good strenth, but can not raise the arm above shoulder height. Swinging a mallet vertically is a bit of a challenge. but I can do it in moderation. Horizontal swings are easier for me. Consider me determined and passonate about TF...I know I'm not the best candidate. But I'm going to do it anyway! (Hobby, not as a business.)

Joel

Joel

I would like to offer up my rating of the various mortise machines. I own a Makita chisel and a Mafell chain mortisers and have used frequently, but not recently, the Makita chain mortiser.

The versatility of the various machines is dependent on your needs or pocketbook in the case of the Mafell.

The Mafell is configured to the task and capabilities are limited to the configuration. Basically, you buy a motorhead that is fitted with a guide frame and with a bar and chain that will cut a specific mortise width with one plunge. So you must have issues of joinery vocablulary and mortise width solved before ordering the machine. The machine registers the cut placement with a fence, depth gauge and hand-eye contol. I can cut exactly square to the surface and to incised layout. End grain is smoothly cut with no need of end grain clean-up. Side grain needs texture from cutting and raking teeth removed, quick work for a heavy slick and paring chisel, in oak. Not a good option for someone starting out or someone with an experimental attitude. But a well configured Mafell is a simple place on the timber cutting champ.

The Makita chain mortiser is able to cut any mortise as wide as the chain or larger, of course the wider mortises require multi plunging. The machine has the character of a well designed gismo; clamps, advance levers, rotating head and stops are usually just as strong and as precise needed, sometimes I thought more robust base would refine results.

Both chain machine can be adapted to angled mortises needed in rafter to ridge or rafter to valley work. The chisel machine fails on easy adaptation to angled to surface work.

The chisel mortiser is very well adapted to work in complicated Japanese joinery requiring steps, keys, cogs and dovetails. It is the champ at controlled depth work. The Makita chisel machine has a much more robust base than the Makita chain mortiser, so there is a weight penalty but the operator is in effect using a drill press and is without doubt in a safer non-entangled working posture. Work progresses a slower more contolled fashion.

Finally I urge timbers be placed on short horses(knee high or lower) for chainsaw mortising. The design requires operator dominance. I believe step stools and chainsaw mortisers should not mix.

Roger...

Thank you so much for your reply. The Makita chain mortiser keeps emerging as perhaps a good choice for me.

Never tried a chain mortiser with a stool...but it sounds about as safe as using a gas powered pole saw standing on a step ladder with the spouse steadying the ladder. I'm not gonna say how I came to understand this concept!

Joel

I agree with Roger regarding the step stool, and also about the need to be more above the chain mortiser than for other tasks (both for saftey and fatigue). We found moving the timber to a lower level to be too time consuming, so I devised a platform to stand on while using the chain mortiser. It's just a slab of plywood attached to a frame made of 2x6, but it has a set of spring-loaded wheels just like those on a library stool. It's stable when you stand on it, but once you take your weight off of it, it can roll, so you can easily kick it over to your next destination.

Finally, regarding the outfit in San Fransico that's illegally importing Makita tools - bear in mind that you'll get no technical support, and have difficulty getting replacement parts. I'd be willing to bet that you have no warranty either. CB.

Didn't know the importing was not sanctioned by Makita....but I'm not surprised by your post. Sounds like it could be more headaches than it would be worth.

I worked for a large electronic test company for a few decades. Folks who bought the equipment on the "grey market" often regretted it.

Thank you so much for the heads up.

Joel