Great project. I have been using the Morley mortiser with great success. Just remind people that they will need to buy longer router bits to account for the plywood top. I forgot!😂
You could consider adding drawers to fit in from the back of your stand. That gives you a place to store your ever growing collection of spacers. Or, just add a simple block, say 2" tall, across the back to prevent the spacers from falling out if you move the jig around.
What I like best about this video aside from the very informative and detailed production steps is the very relatable items in your shop. 1) I have all the match-fit products you used in this video. 2) I have the same Milwaukee tools you used in this video. 3) While not in my shop the kitchen cabinets, I just installed, are the same color blue/grey as your shop cabinets. 4) and close enough, my router table is made with Black laminate and Jessum products. I shifted the table saw rails to the left and installed my RT there so I could utilize the Tablesaw fence and an add-on fence for the router table. This allows perfect squareness to the table and is easy to set up. It also allows the sharing of dust collection connections. I plan on making a workbench 3' x 6' that I can then add side panels using Micro-Fit products to enlarge the work surface in length and width if ever needed. Thanks for this video and info
Just so you know, I really come solely for the Oreo moments. You & your woodworking are truly tangential to him. 😹 Yes, as you can probably tell from my profile picture (my late cat, Barney), I am a proud lifetime member of the Crazy Cat Lady Society! 😸 Having said that, I do like your projects, and this one is no different. It will probably be a while - OK, probably quite a while - before I could build this, as I do not yet have a router table. At least not one that is constructed & not in pieces & parts in my garage woodshop. Anyway, thank you for posting this. I will keep this for reference, for the day when I DO build my router table. I hope you have a fantastic day! 😺
This is a great evolution of a great design, and very well presented. Perfect shop project that's relatively cheap and super versatile. This feels like a more reasonable route vs a domino, especially for an occasional hobbyist like myself who also is in the market for a mid size router). Three thoughts for additions: 1) 45 degree jig (or any angle) would be an nice way to lock in an angle if you have a lot of miters 2) Alternative top if you need a larger width mortise. Maybe something that's adjustable? 3) Metal/Plastic/Colored Spacers on a key ring - Because I loose every small wood jig/space I make!
Great Design, I have though for a long time now that all the greatest ideas have been had, our challenge is to take that Great Idea and Improve upon it, and clearly you have done that here, Thanks for sharing this with us!
+1 on the Forstner bit to define the start/stop of the grooves to cut. Learned that trick a long time ago by going past my markup lines. Love the black top on your router table, perhaps a strip of masking tape when you do the next video so your start/stop lines are more apparent for us. Or use that magic white marker you use on Walnut layouts. I don't have them handy but IIRC a similar jig was in the old Shop Notes mag from decades ago. Looks very useful and perhaps will save me from buying a domino for a few more months... Again, thanks for the great videos Mark. dc
Love floating tenons. The only shortcoming that I have found to this type of jig is that you are limited to the length of stock you can mortise (think mortising bed rail ends). I’ve used a variation of this jig and a ladder in the past - I wouldn’t do that today. 😂
We had another design in the works that was more portable for that very reason. But I didn’t want to over complicate things and went with the most common use-case.
Marc- why not just cut the start/stop point with a drill or forstner bit? I still cut them in two passes on each side, flipping to prevent tear out. Keeps me from making dyslexic mistakes… I made one of these several years ago from plans that didn’t require a bushing. I have since added the microjig dovetail fences to the front. Mine is router specific-I wish that I had used plans using the bushing because I would be able to use my smaller router. HDPE makes great runners for these plywood jigs. They slide much easier.
I intend to build one like this someday, but the size will be a consideration as I’d see a smaller one having the advantage of being more able to handle larger workpieces if you can attach it to the workpiece and then secure the workpiece rather than having to fit it all under bench height. I first saw this concept in a smaller package made by 3x3 Custom. I also recommend checking out Izzy Swan’s mortiser machine from almost a year ago. More complicated to build but the ease/speed of setup and use seems better within its size capacity. I just finished my first project with it and it was a fantastic domino substitute.
I looked into making a micro jig based mortising jig like this but buying all the microjig swag needed for it isn't really a micro price tag. At least it was more than i wanted to spend. I did buy some t track for the face of the jig and some fairly cheap 1/4-20 t-bolts off of amazon. also some toggle clamps; also super cheap. The jig works very welll, whatever route you choose to go. Well worth having one of these if you need MnT joinery with any frequencey
Thanks for the video- looks like a great mortising jig. The one thing I do not like about matchfit is that after you tighten them down they bind, and the next time you make an adjustment (after loosening the "bolt") you almost have to press and pop them loose to get them to slide. At least this is what I experience on my BB matchfit drill press table.
My one comment (besides my other comment😅) is that in addition to referencing the center to set up the jig, I’d also be sure always reference the show face for all parts against the jig, that way if you don’t absolutely nail the center (and have perfectly milled stock) then it won’t matter. Conversely, if your center is off by a tiny fraction of an inch then those errors will compound if you flip stock as you go and your faces will not be flush when you go to assemble.
Brilliant design, Marc! Thanks a bunch! 😃 I'm definitely going to make something like that... The only issue is that the router table scares the heck out of me. 😬 Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊 BTW, Oreo ❤
Ok, last comment… I love the transition you’ve made from “oh great, there’s a stray cat outside the shop🤨” to: several Oreo-centric segments in a single video, yard signs that say “don’t take Oreo”, cat artwork, and about 25% of Instagram content being cat related. 😻
Jeseem's Workstation for their Pocket Mill Pro is a similar approach. They are super handy to use. A couple of limitations but definitely a nice easy way for floating tenons!
Thanks for put a metric version in there too, i was lost when you tried to explain the 1/16 x 2 etc etc. my mind works fast in metric but a totall lost on your system.
I have the Jessem Pocket Mill pro and they have a similar workstation with the matchfit hardware. Its only problem is it needs more height like the jig you bought. The Jessem jig is quite nice but you have a Jessem part that sits in the top of the jig to put your Pocket Mill Pro in and that makes it move to various angles. I also have the dowel jig that fits on the same workstation so I need to figure out how to make a new jig similar to yours but hold the Jessem Pocket Mill Pro.
I have made individual mortise jigs for a specific project. Drawer full of them over the years. The greatest improvement is router dust collection. Without it you have to remove the router and vacuum out the mortise after each partial pass. Quite annoying.
@@woodwhisperer Maybe, I just hadn't ever heard the other term before. Though I can see the logic of it, since the tenon is "loose" within the joint, as in not connected to either piece beyond the glue. In that sense it may even be more logical than "floating" tenon.
I like Micro Jig products but this is just a take on the Leigh Mortice and tenon jig except it leaves out the best part of the Leigh jig is that it cuts a tenon to fit the mortice perfectly. I do admit I did not watch the whole thing, I have a Leigh M/T jig.
What was your cost to builds this jig? Reason I'm asking is the Jessum Pocket mill pro outfit isn't as elaborate, but the drill alternative is a consideration especially if I have to but another router. Looking at your parts list I think this jig outfit could cost a bit.
Hey as always thanx for the video was jus thinkin bout building something similar n this video definitely helps, off topic question i jus bought a piece of common board pine that has alot of BIRDS EYE, is this common ???
Honest question as someone who has a lot of mortises to fix/replace to restore some dining chairs, is the advantage to this over the domino primarily based on cost? Obviously the ability to customize the size of the loose tennon is a plus.
If the Domino is within your budget and you have a good use-case for it, get the Domino. This is a solution for folks what either can't afford or just don't want to purchase a turnkey solution like the Domino and instead are looking for decent repeatable results using more standard tooling. The joinery produced by this method would also be stronger and more customizable as you pointed out. But there aren't many applications where the difference in strength between a classic floating tenon and a Domino will be something to be super concerned about.
Had to cut out any background images of a DF500/700. This whole jig reminds me of the Omni-Man/ Invincible meme for Festool: "Look at what they need to mimic a fraction of our power!"
Get idea! I think I might make this. I do however have a question. If you needed to make a mortise at the end of a 8 ft length stock how would you accomplish that?
Clamp the workpiece at an angle to reduce its height and mount this thing on the end of the board using some additional clamps. Or just use your router with an edge guide.
sorry if this is a stupid question....I watched this over a few sittings....but does Microjig sell all the component parts for this jig as a kit? (if they don't...they should....seems like a no brainer).
I really want a shop cat, I've got plenty of house cats, but I always worry they they'll end up doing something dangerous like jumping up on my table Saw while I'm making a cut or something. Does your shop cat instinctively stay away from spinning blades and such?
Cats, generally speaking, aren't stupid. And I venture to guess that most, if not all, will quickly vacate a space when the noise level gets too high. Oreo often naps in the shop, either on top of the planer or in the corner on some moving blankets. When it's time to fire up the tools, I'll usually pick him up and put him in the office to avoid starling him. And it's really not good for him to be exposed to those noise levels anyway. Anything louder than a shop vac and he's not comfortable in the space. If anything, the bigger problem with cats will be glueups and finishing time. They see you working at the table and decide to see what's going on, only there's glue or fresh finish that you don't want them to come into contact with.
Save 10% on MatchFit products using my code TWW-MATCHFIT www.microjig.com/collections/matchfit?sca_ref=6620295.r84SMzrDUo
I screamed at my TV "The square moved!" And then you noticed and fixed it. You're welcome. 😂
That’s badass. But makes me want a domino that much more. It’s a great work around. Thanks for the video.
Great design. Yet another cleverly disguised cat video, masquerading as woodworking. You and Keith Johnson have gotten so good at it.
16:26 "I'll check it for square once again, but honestly, if it's not square at this point, you're in trouble." lol
Great project. I have been using the Morley mortiser with great success. Just remind people that they will need to buy longer router bits to account for the plywood top. I forgot!😂
A nickname for your cat: The Wood Whiskerer.
These types of jigs with the clamping system make production work so much more efficient
Oreo is such a pretty cat. o nice jig too lol
Wood Wisperer videos are always worth watching
You could consider adding drawers to fit in from the back of your stand. That gives you a place to store your ever growing collection of spacers. Or, just add a simple block, say 2" tall, across the back to prevent the spacers from falling out if you move the jig around.
What I like best about this video aside from the very informative and detailed production steps is the very relatable items in your shop. 1) I have all the match-fit products you used in this video. 2) I have the same Milwaukee tools you used in this video. 3) While not in my shop the kitchen cabinets, I just installed, are the same color blue/grey as your shop cabinets. 4) and close enough, my router table is made with Black laminate and Jessum products. I shifted the table saw rails to the left and installed my RT there so I could utilize the Tablesaw fence and an add-on fence for the router table. This allows perfect squareness to the table and is easy to set up. It also allows the sharing of dust collection connections. I plan on making a workbench 3' x 6' that I can then add side panels using Micro-Fit products to enlarge the work surface in length and width if ever needed. Thanks for this video and info
And they say marketing doesn't work! I've noticed the same thing in my own shop.
Just so you know, I really come solely for the Oreo moments. You & your woodworking are truly tangential to him. 😹 Yes, as you can probably tell from my profile picture (my late cat, Barney), I am a proud lifetime member of the Crazy Cat Lady Society! 😸 Having said that, I do like your projects, and this one is no different. It will probably be a while - OK, probably quite a while - before I could build this, as I do not yet have a router table. At least not one that is constructed & not in pieces & parts in my garage woodshop. Anyway, thank you for posting this. I will keep this for reference, for the day when I DO build my router table. I hope you have a fantastic day! 😺
That New York license plate though!!! 😂😂😂👏👏👏
Classic Seinfeld reference. Gotta love it.
You could use Woodpeckers domino bits and then use standard Festool dominos. The jig looks really useful. Thanks
Good call. Didn’t even know they made them.
Very nice. I appreciate the jig history and always appreciate you are willing to show your goofs.
Another great video. My, has time flown by. You started me on this stuff many years ago. Thanks, you do good work.
3x3 custom built a mini version of this a few years ago
Nice shop, you have really great equipment. Interesting project.
This is a great evolution of a great design, and very well presented. Perfect shop project that's relatively cheap and super versatile. This feels like a more reasonable route vs a domino, especially for an occasional hobbyist like myself who also is in the market for a mid size router).
Three thoughts for additions:
1) 45 degree jig (or any angle) would be an nice way to lock in an angle if you have a lot of miters
2) Alternative top if you need a larger width mortise. Maybe something that's adjustable?
3) Metal/Plastic/Colored Spacers on a key ring - Because I loose every small wood jig/space I make!
Oreo is a very handsome kitty! 😻
Great Design, I have though for a long time now that all the greatest ideas have been had, our challenge is to take that Great Idea and Improve upon it, and clearly you have done that here, Thanks for sharing this with us!
Love the Oreo break, haha.
+1 on the Forstner bit to define the start/stop of the grooves to cut. Learned that trick a long time ago by going past my markup lines.
Love the black top on your router table, perhaps a strip of masking tape when you do the next video so your start/stop lines are more apparent for us. Or use that magic white marker you use on Walnut layouts.
I don't have them handy but IIRC a similar jig was in the old Shop Notes mag from decades ago. Looks very useful and perhaps will save me from buying a domino for a few more months...
Again, thanks for the great videos Mark.
dc
Love floating tenons. The only shortcoming that I have found to this type of jig is that you are limited to the length of stock you can mortise (think mortising bed rail ends). I’ve used a variation of this jig and a ladder in the past - I wouldn’t do that today. 😂
We had another design in the works that was more portable for that very reason. But I didn’t want to over complicate things and went with the most common use-case.
What a handsome ass cat, man.
Marc- why not just cut the start/stop point with a drill or forstner bit? I still cut them in two passes on each side, flipping to prevent tear out. Keeps me from making dyslexic mistakes… I made one of these several years ago from plans that didn’t require a bushing. I have since added the microjig dovetail fences to the front. Mine is router specific-I wish that I had used plans using the bushing because I would be able to use my smaller router. HDPE makes great runners for these plywood jigs. They slide much easier.
I intend to build one like this someday, but the size will be a consideration as I’d see a smaller one having the advantage of being more able to handle larger workpieces if you can attach it to the workpiece and then secure the workpiece rather than having to fit it all under bench height. I first saw this concept in a smaller package made by 3x3 Custom.
I also recommend checking out Izzy Swan’s mortiser machine from almost a year ago. More complicated to build but the ease/speed of setup and use seems better within its size capacity. I just finished my first project with it and it was a fantastic domino substitute.
I have the Leigh FMT jig… I’m going to dust it off and try it again! Thanks for another great video
Made mine years ago. It’s amazingly accurate.
I looked into making a micro jig based mortising jig like this but buying all the microjig swag needed for it isn't really a micro price tag. At least it was more than i wanted to spend. I did buy some t track for the face of the jig and some fairly cheap 1/4-20 t-bolts off of amazon. also some toggle clamps; also super cheap. The jig works very welll, whatever route you choose to go. Well worth having one of these if you need MnT joinery with any frequencey
Nice jig Marc, as far as micro-jig I’m already addicted! Love and own a lot of their products!
16:44 Marc's hearing protection collection is unmatched.
Marc
@@johndoe6032 doh! I knew that. And fixed!
I just recently got the matchfit bit and clamps so this could be a cool little thing to build for me. 🙌🏻
Thanks for the video- looks like a great mortising jig. The one thing I do not like about matchfit is that after you tighten them down they bind, and the next time you make an adjustment (after loosening the "bolt") you almost have to press and pop them loose to get them to slide. At least this is what I experience on my BB matchfit drill press table.
Very nice. Thank you for sharing.🙂🙂
Very cool jig and system… and it’s Oreo endorsed! 😂
I made a similar one a couple years ago from leftover bits in my cutoff bin. Works well.
We don’t have an Oreo just a black and white Cookie Monster.
My one comment (besides my other comment😅) is that in addition to referencing the center to set up the jig, I’d also be sure always reference the show face for all parts against the jig, that way if you don’t absolutely nail the center (and have perfectly milled stock) then it won’t matter. Conversely, if your center is off by a tiny fraction of an inch then those errors will compound if you flip stock as you go and your faces will not be flush when you go to assemble.
Brilliant design, Marc! Thanks a bunch! 😃
I'm definitely going to make something like that... The only issue is that the router table scares the heck out of me. 😬
Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
BTW, Oreo ❤
Ok, last comment…
I love the transition you’ve made from “oh great, there’s a stray cat outside the shop🤨” to: several Oreo-centric segments in a single video, yard signs that say “don’t take Oreo”, cat artwork, and about 25% of Instagram content being cat related. 😻
Great build! I have a bunch of Matchfit stuff lying around and now have a use for it.
Thanks for making the plans available !!!!!!
I have a tuxedo Kitty also there a riot oh yeah killer video that's what my kitty said
This looks GOOD! I will probably be making one. I already have some of the MatchFit products and I don't have a Domino budget.
Man, buy the thumbnail I was hoping to see cat powered tool. 😂😂😂
Brilliant. Great design and very handy. I'm going to have to build one.
thank you..!
Thank You ..!!
THANK YOU ..!! !!
Jeseem's Workstation for their Pocket Mill Pro is a similar approach. They are super handy to use. A couple of limitations but definitely a nice easy way for floating tenons!
I recommend a pad on your floor as the first accessory. 😁
lol
I like your awesome jig Marc! Thanks for the free plans. I enjoy using MicroJig products. They are well thought out and easy to use .
Looks like the jig that Phillip Morley made
I stopped by for the "Oreo". I think he's relation...
Damn you Spags. Now I have to go spend more money 😂😂😂
Just wanna say thank yu!
A decent upgrade to Philip Morely and those before him. Apologies for jumping to conclusions earlier.
Nice. Looks exactly like a jumbo version made by 3x3 Custom. I’ve been meaning to make one for a long time.
I believe the Leigh FMT came out in mid-2003.
BTW, an earlier, but less well-known vertical-router jig, is the WoodRat.
OH that's a blast from the past. I totally forgot about the WoodRat! And I guess we need to recognize the Router Boss too!
amazing jig ....now i want to build it
I actually built something very similar to this. Its great to larger mortises than what my domino can do
Microjig. Thanks Marc!
Very impressive jig.
The Shaper Workstation for the Origin looks similar
I got an ad for Ted’s 16,000 plans before this video ahhh! I thought we were past that.
Us too. We will look into how to exclude the ad. If you see it again you can report it
Ten hour loop Oreo break video when?
Thanks for put a metric version in there too, i was lost when you tried to explain the 1/16 x 2 etc etc. my mind works fast in metric but a totall lost on your system.
What is this "before youtube" you speak about? I can't find any videos talking about that time .
Keep looking!
😂
I have the Jessem Pocket Mill pro and they have a similar workstation with the matchfit hardware. Its only problem is it needs more height like the jig you bought. The Jessem jig is quite nice but you have a Jessem part that sits in the top of the jig to put your Pocket Mill Pro in and that makes it move to various angles. I also have the dowel jig that fits on the same workstation so I need to figure out how to make a new jig similar to yours but hold the Jessem Pocket Mill Pro.
I have made individual mortise jigs for a specific project. Drawer full of them over the years. The greatest improvement is router dust collection. Without it you have to remove the router and vacuum out the mortise after each partial pass. Quite annoying.
If you don’t have an Oreo you could use a Hydrox
Hold up, did you just tease a Matchfit dovetail squeeze clamp at 10:35?!
Would also love to see a Matchfit toggle clamp...
I follow you because you are not a T-slot yunkie. Great video. Thanks
Wow, Baltic Burch is expensive in your area 😊. I can get it for half that price in the west 😊
How about Microjig make a 1/4" version of the dovetail router bit, that would be helpful.
They do. Select 1/4” shank from the dropdown. www.microjig.com/products/dovetail-bit-14-12?sca_ref=6620295.r84SMzrDUo
@@woodwhisperer Thanks but it's hard to find in backwater Australia!
Was that a Microjig squeeze clamp on the drill press?
I've heard it called a "floating tenon", not a loose one.
Both are common terms for the same thing.
@@woodwhisperer Maybe, I just hadn't ever heard the other term before. Though I can see the logic of it, since the tenon is "loose" within the joint, as in not connected to either piece beyond the glue. In that sense it may even be more logical than "floating" tenon.
They're also called "slip tenons" or if you want to be cringe: Dominos. :)
@@woodwhisperer Hahaha.
I like the jig, but hate Microjig's overpriced clamps.
I like Micro Jig products but this is just a take on the Leigh Mortice and tenon jig except it leaves out the best part of the Leigh jig is that it cuts a tenon to fit the mortice perfectly. I do admit I did not watch the whole thing, I have a Leigh M/T jig.
You should watch the whole video 😂 I mentioned the FMT. Also, there’s no reason this jig couldn’t be adapted to cut tenons as well.
@@woodwhisperer Fine have it your way I will watch the WHOLE THING.
Very cool
What was your cost to builds this jig? Reason I'm asking is the Jessum Pocket mill pro outfit isn't as elaborate, but the drill alternative is a consideration especially if I have to but another router. Looking at your parts list I think this jig outfit could cost a bit.
2:53 is it safe to plane something this thin? I really need to know the answer. Thanks.
THANKS FOR A GREAT VIDEO
Am I alone in thinking Marc stole Deadpool's pants for this one?
Oreo 🥰😊
Hey as always thanx for the video was jus thinkin bout building something similar n this video definitely helps, off topic question i jus bought a piece of common board pine that has alot of BIRDS EYE, is this common ???
Add Bluetooth - that improves everything! ;) 🤣😎
We all know who is the real star of the channel and he is named after a cookie. ;-)
Drink every time Marc says MicroJig…
👍👍👍👍👍
Honest question as someone who has a lot of mortises to fix/replace to restore some dining chairs, is the advantage to this over the domino primarily based on cost? Obviously the ability to customize the size of the loose tennon is a plus.
If the Domino is within your budget and you have a good use-case for it, get the Domino. This is a solution for folks what either can't afford or just don't want to purchase a turnkey solution like the Domino and instead are looking for decent repeatable results using more standard tooling. The joinery produced by this method would also be stronger and more customizable as you pointed out. But there aren't many applications where the difference in strength between a classic floating tenon and a Domino will be something to be super concerned about.
@@woodwhisperer thank you Marc!
Had to cut out any background images of a DF500/700. This whole jig reminds me of the Omni-Man/ Invincible meme for Festool: "Look at what they need to mimic a fraction of our power!"
Would that also work for cutting board handles? might be too narrow
You could adapt it for that if you made a slot for a bigger bushing. I assume you’d be using a bit larger than 5/8
I think it would, but you might have to get a little creative or simply make the hand holds in multiple passes.
Domino...😁😁
Get idea! I think I might make this. I do however have a question. If you needed to make a mortise at the end of a 8 ft length stock how would you accomplish that?
Clamp the workpiece at an angle to reduce its height and mount this thing on the end of the board using some additional clamps. Or just use your router with an edge guide.
i think this video just spanked the red tool guys. i have been designing this in my head for a few weeks now. probably should just get your plans.
sorry if this is a stupid question....I watched this over a few sittings....but does Microjig sell all the component parts for this jig as a kit? (if they don't...they should....seems like a no brainer).
I'm not a fan of ratchet style clamps. Seems like the ratchet handle is ALWAYS in the way of something or something is in the way of the handle.
Finally someone who uses the guards on the machinery
Where did you find Baltic Birch? None of the local suppliers here carry it any longer.
St Charles hardwoods
I really want a shop cat, I've got plenty of house cats, but I always worry they they'll end up doing something dangerous like jumping up on my table Saw while I'm making a cut or something. Does your shop cat instinctively stay away from spinning blades and such?
Cats, generally speaking, aren't stupid. And I venture to guess that most, if not all, will quickly vacate a space when the noise level gets too high. Oreo often naps in the shop, either on top of the planer or in the corner on some moving blankets. When it's time to fire up the tools, I'll usually pick him up and put him in the office to avoid starling him. And it's really not good for him to be exposed to those noise levels anyway. Anything louder than a shop vac and he's not comfortable in the space. If anything, the bigger problem with cats will be glueups and finishing time. They see you working at the table and decide to see what's going on, only there's glue or fresh finish that you don't want them to come into contact with.