HF Mortiser surprise

[mikeinkcmo]

Eddie Merckx and Messmaker,

Thats my machine. I did that a couple years ago or so. It made a real tool out of it. Mortises are a flash to do with the vise. The repositioning of the vise cranks is really a big part of the modification. Not my Idea but my version.

[wouldchuck]

mortiser on sale for $99

Here is the link:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=35570
They will honor the internet price at the store if you print out the page.

[farkel]

xy vise

I tried using one of those with my mortiser, but it had to much play. I couldn't get a straight line for mortises for joints.

[JJO]

I already have a Jet mortiser or I would jump for this...Sounds like good value for a tool I don't use much

[mikeinkcmo]

farkel,

Tighten the gibs a little, so it will stay put.

[Hoakie]

Mike,

Did you modify that vise or the one in your pictures not the HF/Pittsburgh one? The one I picked up today has the vise tightening handle opposite from the axis handle?

[eddy merckx]

I'll answer that Hoakie

You do have to modify the vice. The slider crank and the vice jaw crank need to come out the same side, or they will interfere with the mortiser tubes. You disassemble the top of the vice, then drill and tap the opposite end of the vice body for the crank screw stop. It is really easy and you don't have to be super accurate. I used a 6mm tap because that's what I had around. I think anything close would be fine.

BTW I did the same thing to the bottom portion, so it would hang off the right side of my workbench. I can turn the handle with my right hand and operate the lever bar with my left hand. Works for my particular situation.

Have fun! Eddy