Replies

1. 
   RickL | Jun 03, 2008 09:51pm | #1

   http://www.lagunatools.com/platinum3.htm

   I've used one and still prefer the standard slot mortiser.

   Multi-Router...Uses a router-noisy, high rpm, limited tooling use.

   To many unecessary  bells and whistles. It actually makes tenons...  over $3,000

   Horizontal slot mortiser-typical rpm 3,000. Able to use HSS endmills and do much larger diameter slots. Regular motor,very quiet.  Basic loose tenon joinery. Fast, simple! Can  be used as a doweling machine or horizontal drill press and uses standard drill bits. More versatile if you could slow it down more.

    $1,000 Laguna

    

    

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   Edited 6/3/2008 3:25 pm ET by RickL

   
   

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   Edited 6/3/2008 3:26 pm ET by RickL

2. 
   woodhors | Jun 03, 2008 11:31pm | #2

   I bought one new many years ago at less than half the current price. I have used it for normal mortise and tenons and think it works great. I have also used it for angled tenons - again with success. Another use was to make round tenons on the ends of many small "stiles" I used in making wine racks. Lastly, I have used it for lots of "special" types of cuts that come up. I find it fairly easy to set up and easy to tweak. I do think it has gotten a bit pricey (probably was) but it does a very good job for me.

3. 
   bones | Jun 04, 2008 04:26pm | #3

   I don't know about the JDS, but I have a grizzly HBM that does that job.  I used it till I just purchased the Festool domino that is more flexible and much quicker.  I will keep the Griz for the possible long through tennon.  Very cost effective although it's gone up since I got mine. It was only 275 with I bought. 

    

   http://www.grizzly.com/products/Single-Spindle-Boring-Machine/G0540

    

   Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases:
   If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it.
   And if it stops moving, subsidize it.
   
1. 
   DonC | Jun 05, 2008 05:49am | #4

   Does the Grizzley table slide in and out and side to side?

1. 
   OldGreen | Jun 05, 2008 06:19am | #5

   Yes, the grizzly moves in and out, side to side and up and down. I bought one used on craigslist for $125. Mine needs a tune up but seems to be well worth the money, even for what the cost new.Matthttp://www.oldgreenwoodworking.com

2. 
   RickL | Jun 05, 2008 02:50pm | #6

   http://www.woodcentral.com/articles/reviews/articles_729.shtml

   Here's a review of the Grizzly G0540 Horizontal drill. It certainly can be used as a slot mortiser and you can't beat the price.

3. 
   bones | Jun 05, 2008 04:59pm | #7

   As others have said it does this task fine.  I bought a regular router bit but was told afterwards I should buy cheap end-mills to use.  Mined did not require any type of tuning per se, just assemply. I put mine on casters so I can roll it around. I will say that the stop mechanisms L/R and I/O are not the greatest but very functional.  I'm sure the $3k units have many more bells & whistles, but this unit does what you want it to.  I found (I think it was here do a search) sombody had built and posted plans for a home made jig that looked really well done that you should look at as well.  Again at the time at 275, I thought it was a great deal.  I would say also, beprepared for it to occupy some realestate though.  Currently thats not a problem for me, but I'm relocating soon and it may have to go.  BTW, here is the original link on my purchase.

    

   http://forums.taunton.com/fw-knots/messages?msg=42061.5

    

   Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.

   Edited 6/5/2008 10:05 am by bones

   Edited 6/5/2008 10:37 am by bones