The pantorouter is a new, highly capable machine that performs like a souped-up slot mortiser. At its heart is a router mounted to an articulating arm that moves on the X, Y, and Z axes. This makes it great for joinery, whether it’s traditional or has a little more flair. Mortise-and-tenon joints, box joints, and dovetails can be created with available patterns, or you can design your own patterns. It can be purchased with or without a router.

Assembly, setup, and fine-tuning were straightforward, and the learning curve was short. I started by creating simple mortise-and-tenons, and by my third try the fit of the joint was right on the money.

The PantoRouter’s carriage moves precisely along the X and Y axes. To direct this movement, the arm has a bearing-guided stylus that rides around templates mounted to an adjustable fence. By following the inside or outside perimeter of the template, you can cut the positive or negative halves of a joint. To travel in and out—the Z-axis—the carriage rides on steel rods. There’s a fence to align the cut, and it moves easily, clamps securely, and has a great indexing feature, making it easy to find center on odd-sized workpieces. To top it all off, the machine’s dust collection is very effective.

—Roland Johnson is a contributing editor.

Photos: Roland Johnson

Frome Fine Woodworking #281

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Ridgid EB4424 Oscillating Spindle/Belt Sander

With five spindles sized from 1/2 in. to 2 in. and a 4 X 24-in. belt, this sander has become a staple in many a shop Fine Woodworking visits.

Buy at Amazon

Veritas Precision Square

This precision square is incredibly versatile, from checking squareness to dialing in machine setups.

Buy at Lee Valley

Leigh Super 18 Jig

This jig is a value-oriented alternative to the Leigh D4R, but its template system is just as excellent.

Buy at Amazon Buy at Woodcraft