Slot Mortising Machine

**Brendon** · Aug 22, 2015, 03:29 PM

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.

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.

**Altair** · Aug 23, 2015, 05:49 PM

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

Al

**kbalch** · Aug 24, 2015, 02:07 PM

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:

Slot Mortising Machine by Brendon

tags: mortiser

**Toller** · Aug 26, 2015, 09:18 PM

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

**kbalch** · Aug 28, 2015, 09:11 AM

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

**kbalch** · Aug 28, 2015, 09:14 AM

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

**Brendon** · Aug 28, 2015, 11:34 AM

Thanks guys
B

**Brendon** · Aug 28, 2015, 11:48 AM

Here are a few more pics.

.
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

**Toller** · Aug 28, 2015, 05:04 PM

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

**Brendon** · Aug 29, 2015, 01:52 AM

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.