I’ve had the opportunity to work with some great mortising machines over the past couple of months, but the Multi-Router is my favorite. However, the nearly $3,000 price tag (router not included) is a substantial outlay. The Multi-Router is elegantly simple: A horizontal table holds the workpiece and moves in the X and Y directions, and a vertical table holds the router and moves in the Z (up and down) axis.

As you would expect from a higher-priced machine, the construction, precision, and smoothness are exceptional. Even with a large workpiece and a heavy cut, it moves effortlessly.

Hold-downs and workpiece stops are just as good. I especially liked the stops for table motion, which allow you to use calipers to set up precise cuts, and feeler gauges to fine-tune them.

There is a separate lever for X, Y, and Z travel, which means you can make tenons, for example, with a single setup. You might not bother, though, since loose-tenon joinery is also easy. The workpiece table tilts in two directions for compound mortises up to 45°.

This is a true X-Y-Z milling machine and thus can make all kinds of precise cuts on small and large parts; the only limit is your imagination.

This jig is available for about $2,750 from www.jdstools.com. 

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Estwing Dead-Blow Mallet

A quality dead-blow mallet that packs and punch but isn't too heavy for furniture work.

Buy at Amazon

Veritas Standard Wheel Marking Gauge

A wheel-type gauge is the easiest to use, and this wonderful Veritas model is a steal at $38.

Buy at Lee Valley

Dustopper Pro

The Dustopper attaches to a five gallon bucket, and collects 99.9% of dust before it reaches the vacuum. This saves the life span of your disposable vacuum bags and filters.

Buy at Amazon