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!😂
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.
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.
Nice clean design. I've started making most of my jigs to use matchfit clamps and hardware; wish I'd discovered it before I built my tablesaw sled, but I already bought the t-track clamps. Oh well. And thanks for making the plans available.
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.
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!
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.
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
+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
I really want to build this thing, but I'm VERY nervous to even try it. If there is a way to screw it up, I'll find it. And, given the price of wood nowadays, I don't want to make mistakes. I have the plans, so after Thanksgiving, I will give it my best shot so that I can use it to build the gift I want to make for my wife. Wish me luck. I love this Microjig Matchfit system! Those ratcheting clamps are the bomb as well! I don't have any (yet), but I've seen so many videos with that system being used, and I love it's versatility! The components are rather expensive, but I'll just get what I need as I go (until my wife finds out).
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! 😺
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.
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.
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
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!
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. 😻
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.
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.
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 ???
Off topic but I can't help but notice that Kapex in the background. Any reason you switched back? We're looking to replace ours and was leaning toward Bosch per one of your older videos...
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 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.
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.
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.
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).
@@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 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
Thank you sharing the plans and making the video. Excellent job!!!
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!😂
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.
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.
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.
Thanks Marc. I'm going to build one of these over the holidays.
thank for your generosity in sharing the plans
Another great video. My, has time flown by. You started me on this stuff many years ago. Thanks, you do good work.
Very nice. I appreciate the jig history and always appreciate you are willing to show your goofs.
Great design. Yet another cleverly disguised cat video, masquerading as woodworking. You and Keith Johnson have gotten so good at it.
Nice jig Marc, as far as micro-jig I’m already addicted! Love and own a lot of their products!
Great build! I have a bunch of Matchfit stuff lying around and now have a use for 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
Nice clean design. I've started making most of my jigs to use matchfit clamps and hardware; wish I'd discovered it before I built my tablesaw sled, but I already bought the t-track clamps. Oh well. And thanks for making the plans available.
Oreo is such a pretty cat. o nice jig too lol
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.
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!
Nice shop, you have really great equipment. Interesting project.
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 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.
I just recently got the matchfit bit and clamps so this could be a cool little thing to build for me. 🙌🏻
3x3 custom built a mini version of this a few years ago
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 .
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
+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
Wood Wisperer videos are always worth watching
I really want to build this thing, but I'm VERY nervous to even try it. If there is a way to screw it up, I'll find it. And, given the price of wood nowadays, I don't want to make mistakes. I have the plans, so after Thanksgiving, I will give it my best shot so that I can use it to build the gift I want to make for my wife. Wish me luck.
I love this Microjig Matchfit system! Those ratcheting clamps are the bomb as well! I don't have any (yet), but I've seen so many videos with that system being used, and I love it's versatility! The components are rather expensive, but I'll just get what I need as I go (until my wife finds out).
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! 😺
I have the Leigh FMT jig… I’m going to dust it off and try it again! Thanks for another great video
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.
I made a similar one a couple years ago from leftover bits in my cutoff bin. Works well.
Oreo is a very handsome kitty! 😻
Made mine years ago. It’s amazingly accurate.
Brilliant. Great design and very handy. I'm going to have to build one.
These types of jigs with the clamping system make production work so much more efficient
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.
A nickname for your cat: The Wood Whiskerer.
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.
Thanks for making the plans available !!!!!!
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.
Hold up, did you just tease a Matchfit dovetail squeeze clamp at 10:35?!
Would also love to see a Matchfit toggle clamp...
Very cool jig and system… and it’s Oreo endorsed! 😂
That New York license plate though!!! 😂😂😂👏👏👏
Classic Seinfeld reference. Gotta love it.
Just wanna say thank yu!
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.
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!
amazing jig ....now i want to build it
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. 😻
What a handsome ass cat, man.
Very nice. Thank you for sharing.🙂🙂
Very impressive jig.
16:44 Marc's hearing protection collection is unmatched.
Marc
@@johndoe6032 doh! I knew that. And fixed!
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.
A decent upgrade to Philip Morely and those before him. Apologies for jumping to conclusions earlier.
I have a tuxedo Kitty also there a riot oh yeah killer video that's what my kitty said
thank you..!
Thank You ..!!
THANK YOU ..!! !!
Was that a Microjig squeeze clamp on the drill press?
Love the Oreo break, haha.
Will these clamps work in the slots in the sawstop table saw?
I have all the components ready...except for an Oreo. 🐈⬛
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.
Nice. Looks exactly like a jumbo version made by 3x3 Custom. I’ve been meaning to make one for a long time.
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 ???
2:53 is it safe to plane something this thin? I really need to know the answer. Thanks.
Damn you Spags. Now I have to go spend more money 😂😂😂
Microjig. Thanks Marc!
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!
I recommend a pad on your floor as the first accessory. 😁
lol
I actually built something very similar to this. Its great to larger mortises than what my domino can do
Off topic but I can't help but notice that Kapex in the background. Any reason you switched back? We're looking to replace ours and was leaning toward Bosch per one of your older videos...
We don’t have an Oreo just a black and white Cookie Monster.
What is this "before youtube" you speak about? I can't find any videos talking about that time .
Keep looking!
😂
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.
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
Looks like the jig that Phillip Morley made
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.
Wow, Baltic Burch is expensive in your area 😊. I can get it for half that price in the west 😊
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 stopped by for the "Oreo". I think he's relation...
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!
I follow you because you are not a T-slot yunkie. Great video. Thanks
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.
Oreo 🥰😊
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!
Very cool
Man, buy the thumbnail I was hoping to see cat powered tool. 😂😂😂
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).
Add Bluetooth - that improves everything! ;) 🤣😎
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.
Where did you find Baltic Birch? None of the local suppliers here carry it any longer.
St Charles hardwoods
Ten hour loop Oreo break video when?
👍👍👍👍👍
If you don’t have an Oreo you could use a Hydrox
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.
Why are you not on amazon prime anymore??
Amazon changed their policies on user-generated content.
Domino...😁😁
We all know who is the real star of the channel and he is named after a cookie. ;-)