Thread: Mortising Redgum Posts

I'm assuming that your staff aren't up to safely managing the mortice using the standard chainsaw method?

If you are doing this in the workshop then perhaps you could use a drill press to drill out corners and perhaps a coping saw to cut between the holes. Well that's how I did it when I had only a few to do. If you've got more than a few (and they aren't green) then this mightn't be great.

A plunge router in a custom jig with a long spiral upcutter could also suffice.

Most mortice machines don't (to my knowledge) cut 50mm wide mortices.....meaning multiple deep cuts...and much pfaffing about.

Thanks SilentButDeadly, Yes we may have quite a few posts to do, so ideally we would be able to set up a jig and do same size repetitive mortises through the redgum posts. Posts are 200x200 and 200x100 , and the mortises will be 200 long by 50 wide so we will need a machine with the ability to cut 200mm deep. Thanks for your advice.

We have a few silent but deadlies in the workshop. One nearly knocked me off my feet today. Ay Caramba!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sounds like you need chain mortiser.

Originally Posted by looseless

G'day all, Wondering what is the best sort of mortiser for making 200 x 50 holes in 200 x 200 redgum posts for post and rail fencing. Looking for a good machine that could be used in a timber workshop with employees with disabilities.

Look forward to hearing from you. Thanks

the "proper" tool for this is a Chain Mortiser like the Makita 7104L
http://www.makita.com.au/product.asp?ContentID=7104l

at nearly $3,000 from Sydney Tools http://www.sydneytools.com.au/shopdi...rch=Yes&sppp=8 it might be considered a bit pricey, but it's the safest way, especially given your employees have disabilities and if you might get pinged by the WorkCover inspector

The Makita specs are quoted as
<TABLE id=specifications_table cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0><TBODY><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #666464"><TD class=label>Max Cutting Capacity - Hole Width</TD><TD class=detail>130mm</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #a3a5a5"><TD class=label>Max Cutting Capacity - Hole Depth</TD><TD class=detail>155mm</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #666464"><TD class=label>Max Cutting Capacity - Hole Width - Traverse Cut</TD><TD class=detail>308mm</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #a3a5a5"><TD class=label>No Load Speed</TD><TD class=detail>3,200rpm</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #666464"><TD class=label>Continuous Rating Input</TD><TD class=detail>1,140W</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #a3a5a5"><TD class=label>Plunge Capacity</TD><TD class=detail>155mm</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

you might have to turn the posts over and cut from both sides or there may be larger capacity machines around

Thanks Ian and DJ's Timber for your help. Sounds like a chain mortiser is the go. I have been doing a bit of research on the net and have seen a video of the Makita 7104L in action. It looks as if it does a pretty good job. Love to hear from anyone who has used one, and whether they recommend the Makita or have a preference for another tool. If anyone has a second hand machine, I would certainly be interested.

Here is a secondhand industrial quality one on ebay. You might need to pay over $1000 to win the auction

Originally Posted by echnidna

Here is a secondhand industrial quality one on ebay. You might need to pay over $1000 to win the auction

Thanks echidna, I have decided to purchase a second hand mortiser from Sydney. It is a combination chain and chisel mortiser. It is currently being transported to Victoria. I hope it does what the seller says it does. Can't wait to get it into the workshop and try it out.

I only have a drink when I'm with someone.......................or when I'm by myself.

Mortiser has arrived. I haven't had a chance to get new 3 phase plug installed and try it out. Looks like it needs a bit of maintenance, but is a good looking solid Sagar mortiser. Will keep you posted when I get a chance to give it a go.

Where you are I would have bought the posts done. Arbruthnot Sawmills Koondrook thats one of their specialities, I buy redgum there, I bought planks 1ins by 4ins by 2.4M, I bought 50 at a cost of $9 each delivered to Melbourne depot, I could have had it kiln dried for an extra $300 but I like it slow dried, Anyway as you see prices are good, wood was good, a few woodworm holes in some but no great gum holes. Buying that in Melbourne Id be paying about that per metre.

Originally Posted by rrobor

Where you are I would have bought the posts done. Arbruthnot Sawmills Koondrook thats one of their specialities, I buy redgum there, I bought planks 1ins by 4ins by 2.4M, I bought 50 at a cost of $9 each delivered to Melbourne depot,

Thanks rrobor, Sounds like a good deal. I purchased the machine to use in a timber workshop that employs people with disabilities. They do a fantastic job making pallets, boxes, crates, pegs, stakes, core trays and lots of other things. They are very competent using the bandsaw, docking saw, nail guns, table saw and other equipment. A local sawmiller approached us to see if we wanted to work with him, mortising posts for post and rail fences.

We will give it a try. It may provide a new opportunity for our supported employees to learn new skills and for our organisation to find a new business niche.