I changed my mind. No new TS but a FMT
OK so I’m old and like a woman I have the right to change my mind.
I seriously thought of getting a new table saw but I have been working on a small rocking chair (which I have never made before).
One of my granddaughters wanted one and she is VERY particular! OK, so am I. AND, the other granddaughter wants a doll house WITH furniture! (I saw the miniature joints you can make with a FMT).
I usually use ‘loose’ tenons and my router for almost everything I do. Well, big surprise to me with all the angled joints using my little Jet ‘mortise machine’? I used my Jet because I wanted all joints with square / through tenons with wedges. I spent most of my time making angled tables to set my ‘sticks’ on in order to cut them. AND, I for some reason, did not want to ‘square up the corners’ with a chisel. Because of the angles?
Anyway, I ordered one yesterday from Highland with ‘some’ of the extra goodies… I wanted to use Lee Valley but they did not list one of the ‘kits’ available. I could have called but it was a holiday so I just placed the order over the Net.
SO here goes my real reason for the post.
I’d like any input from FMT users on ideas or comments on their ideas on using it and mounting it. My first thought is my work bench IS NOT a place for it. I cut a lot of long sticks and I’d need a bench 9 feet tall! AND turning it on it’s side seems a bit strange to me for the long sticks. I also wondered about cutting mortises in curved ‘sticks’. I guess it all boils down to how long a bit you have?
ANY comments welcome. Thanks!
EDIT:! I just checked my order.. BACKORDERED! DAMN! AND no mention of WHAT was backordered.. Guess I should have called Lee Valley today!
Edited 10/9/2007 9:21 pm by WillGeorge
Replies
What is an FMT?
J.P.
A Leigh Frame Mortise and Tenon Jig.http://www.leighjigs.com/fmt.phpSorry!
Ah Ha. Although I don't mortise and tenon too many match sticks, I guess it could come in handy.Certainly have turned my share of toothpics though.Thanks for the clarification.J.P.
match sticks.. OK I get the drift but NOT quite that small!
They had a photo of a mortise and tenon with some match sticks an the link you posted.That is where I came up with that.J.P.
That is where I came up with that.I realized that. I guess my reply was to short. Sorry no offence intended.The miniature furniture I want to make will be Doll sized so not quite that small.
WG,FMT, Balderdash. All you need is a good set of chisels and a mallet.
And forget about all of that expensive sharpening equipment. Just sharpen your chisels on the sidewalk. Too many people wasting too much money around here.
:-)
Mel
PS I have always admired that FMT from afar. Let me know how it works out after you have had a chance to get comfortable with it.
Measure your output in smiles per board foot.
FMT, Balderdash. All you need is a good set of chisels and a mallet. HAY.. I have those but my sidewalk is a least 50 feet away. Long walk away just to sharpen my tools! Maybe I can work that into my walk for the mail!Yes I have spent way to much on tools. But.. I don't spend money on much else except taxes and my children.I have always thought of getting one (I like metal things with knobs in general) and I talked myself out of a new TS so I needed something for the withdrawal pains...
<<FMT, Balderdash. All you need is a good set of chisels and a mallet>>Mel,This Woodcraft gig is turning you into an uber luddite. We are going to have to arrange an intervention. Mike
You can order direct from Leigh.
Yes, but it is more expensive ordering from Leigh directly. I guess the price difference is for their dealers. All dealers seem to sell at the same price. At least those I saw.
Here are 2 jigs I made. By being able to turn the box on its back I have unlimited length support. Safety is an issue: 1) Use a foot pedal to operate the router on/off & don't remove it until it stops. 2) Sit on a stool w/ your elbows resting against your stomach to control movement. Drill thru the side of the box to connect your DC or Vac and attach w/ elbows etc as needed to fit your system.
The other jig controls shoulder to shoulder length of the tenons.
Thanks for the pictures. I was thinking of possibility making a stand that mounted the FMT at a angle and at a height where I could control the router while standing.I will try a mount as you show and then try one where I stand.
Lee Valley shows a backorder situation also.
I will sell you mine for $8769.99 (CDN) ;-)
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