Craftsman Hollow Chisel Mortiser $149 @ Sears or Kmart

[cwsmith]

Well it was an interesting price, but I imagine that it is probably gone by this late date. (Though I haven't checked, because by budget shot at the moment.)

I've cut quite a few mortices by hand, though always in pine and fir. I imagine it's a bit more difficult in hardwood though, but perhaps with not as much tearout on the sides.

But, I've like doing them my hand. Just nice to work that way occasionally I guess. In fact, I liked it so much only using my HD-purchased Marples' bench chisels, that I bought a set of real "mortice chisels" from Lee-Valley a couple of years ago. They make the job an even better experience.

CWS

[dbhost]

cwsmith,

I have cut plenty of mortises, or at least tried to, by hand, with a shop built jig and router etc... Event tried one of the mortising attachments for a drill press.

I managed to get my hands on a HF hollow chisel mortiser that I have only so far used for rough work (just haven't been working M&T projects lately). I HAVE cut a lot of mortise and tenon joints with it though just practicing / perfecting the process before I get into a real project with it... So far so good...

I got mine as a trade for a miter saw that was free to me, BUT... when I got mine, they were on sale for $149.99, knowing Harbor Freight that means a 20% coupon could have been applied as well, meaning it would have run about $120.00.

My only complaint with the machine, is typical of most mortisers, all of them seem to have something screwy with the hold down mechanism. I made a replacement table with T track and hold downs that keep stock tight to the table AND fence when working stock / mortise that puts the chisel too close to the hold down itself. Results have been good...

[kramer katt]

Anyone able to get the replacement chisel set for this machine?

[Cochese]

No. Although I didn't really press the issue since mine is fairly new. My chisels don't blue or discolor, however the walls aren't the best. I think that might have to do with a couple of mods I've yet to do to it. After this table project is done, I'm going to put on an aux fence and make a setup jig.

[jwd12]

This is a good tool at a great price. I paid about $250 for mine several years ago. I have made several hard wood tables using the mortiser and have not had any trouble with the included chisels. Works better in hard wood than in pine. The article on NewWoodworker.com provides a lot more useful info than the Craftsman instructions. I have never used the heavier mortising chisels so I can't make a valid comparision, but compared to my lighter chisels this is the way to go.

[GPA61]

Anyone able to get the replacement chisel set for this machine?

Yes.I do not have them yet.They are coming.
The ones that came with the machine are not very good. They cut ok
on soft woods like pine,alder etc.. Oak is a different story the bit just had a **** of
a time going into the wood and started to get hot and turned blue. The chisel looked
ok. I tried different clearances between the bit and the chisel and the only thing that
helped a little was a bigger gap than recommended.
Anyway I called and a new set is coming. I hope they are better than these.

[Lynden]

Craftsman Mortiser "No Longer Available"

Has anyone else noticed that the Craftsman mortiser is "no longer available" at either Sears or Kmart? I bought this mortiser a couple of months ago, and now I'm wondering if Sears will continue to support it.

[durango dude]

sure wish the ACE hardware in my town would follow suit.......

Nearest Craftsman venue for us is about 50 miles away.