Leigh FMT or morticing machine?

[journeyman Mick]

Has anybody got/used the Leigh FMT jig for making mortice and tenon joints? The blurb in the carbatec catalogue looks ok so I'm going to request a brochure and a price. I was originally looking at buying a morticing machine and cutting the tenons on the router table, however this looks like it might be more accurate & productive. I've only ever used a Jet morticing attachment for a drill press and I can't say I was overly impressed. I tried to jig it all up to remove play and innacuracy but it wasn't a success. I suppose a dedicated morticing machine with a proper cross feed vice might deliver the required accuracy, but I still need to make the tenons and ensure their accuracy. Any feedback appreciated.

Mick

[kenmil]

I can only comment on a dedicated mortiser. I have a Delta, and although I fitted a cross-feed vice to it for a while, I have since removed it and replaced it with a Rockler fence, which does the job nicely. I have no issues with accuracy at all.

Of course, mortising is all it can do, but it does that very well.

[Dean]

Of course, mortising is all it can do, but it does that very well.

They can also be used as a single speed drill press if you're desperate :)
Well at least the model I got can. It came with an extra drill chuck for that purpose.

[kenmil]

Dean,

I didn't get an extra chuck with mine, but I guess you could do what you suggest.

[Dan]

You could mortice both pieces (router, drill press or mortising machine) and use a loose tenon.

[DPB]

Mik International http://www.mik.com.au sells the Trend routing technology mortise and tenon jig. The cost for the jig router bits and universal router plate (to accept the Trend template guides) is about $770.

I recently purchased this jig and am still at the practice stage. However, I can comment that it is very well made and easy to set up and use. It seems to do everything the Leigh FMT does and costs considerably less.:D

[kenmil]

But you can buy a dedicated mortising machine for half that :confused:

[Dean]

The Trend can cut both mortise and tenon pieces though :)

[kenmil]

Point taken, but tenons are easy to cut either by hand, band saw or table saw (with caution).;)

[Dan]

Trend have their own magazine called "IN Profile", don't know if it is available in aust as the copy I have came from the UK. In their spring 2002 issue they show the m/t jig selling for 149 pounds with a 5 piece long reach cutter set for 39.95 pounds. I'd almost look at buying one if those figures were A$. :D

[journeyman Mick]

Thanks for all the feedback so far guys, I haven't got a price on the FMT yet but I am looking at it from a small run production point of view. If the FMT makes me more productive and ensures repeatable accuracy for both parts of the joint then the extra outlay is justifiable. Woodchuck, I had a look at the MIK website but I can't find the trend jig, whereabouts is it please. Also is there provision for adjusting the fit of the joint simply as the on the FMT?

Thanks, Mick.

[mikmaz1]

mick
if youre looking at the fmt for only a small amout of work then you might want to think again , im pretty sure the jig costs over $1200
you can stand back up now!
seeyasoon mik.

[journeyman Mick]

I found the Trend jig on MIK's site, also the price for the FMT- $1800+! Both are limited in timber size they will accept without repositioning and repositioning will throw all that accuracy out the door. For less money I can buy a morticing machine and a new router table, Carba tec have a cast iron one with a sliding tenoning attachment that looks interesting. Anyway I'll have to finish building this workshop and then go and make some money to buy all these bits and pieces.

Mick

[John Saxton]

G,day Mick,just chuckin' me 2c worth in but another option and concerning the Leigh is the jig and the M2 attachment.

Investigate on the home site @ www.leighjigs.com

Capable of multiple Morse and Tenon from 5/16" x 5/8 to 1 1/2"x2 1/2".the same can produce a variation of finger joints from 5/8" wide and up ,in timber up to 1 1/8" thick.

Using spiral up cutters and guide bush a clean cut is evident.
Easy for variable spacing or an oblique design, whatever suits your design perspective.

Cost .....Leigh about $750
MM2 about $350...negotiate a package ...most will deal or talk to michael @ Mik International ,the importers for Leigh in OZ.

HTH
Cheers:)