I am producing multiple (like hundreds) small frames using mortise and tenon joinery. The tenons are 1/4" x 1/2" and currently I cut them on a MLCS horizontal router table retrofitted with X and Y sliding tables that I built for that purpose.
Though my homemade X/Y tables work adequately, they are less than perfect and I am considering upgrading to either a JDS multi router or Matchmaker. I would like some advice from those of you out there who have used either or (preferably) both of the subject setups. With either setup I would plan to use my Porter-Cable 7518 router.
I would appreciate any guidance you may have on helping me with this choice between setups. As with most everyone, I would like to get the best value in my purchase. Thanks for the advice.
Milling mortise and tenons - JDS multi router vs. matchmaker
Moderator: crzypete
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Toolslinger
- Posts: 23
- Joined: Tue Oct 23, 2007 3:54 pm
jack,
i have a multirouter which `i use for all of my mortice and tenon joinery. I have all of the templates which included the ability to create a 1/4" x 1" integral tenon. I use the templates when I have multiples to run otherwise I just use floating tenons.
Check out their website they must have lots of info about the template system. I would consider making or modifying one of their templates so you can route the tenons as integral. It would be worth the set up time as final assembly would be much faster.
update: their website stinks so if you need more info let me know and I will snap some pictures.
i have a multirouter which `i use for all of my mortice and tenon joinery. I have all of the templates which included the ability to create a 1/4" x 1" integral tenon. I use the templates when I have multiples to run otherwise I just use floating tenons.
Check out their website they must have lots of info about the template system. I would consider making or modifying one of their templates so you can route the tenons as integral. It would be worth the set up time as final assembly would be much faster.
update: their website stinks so if you need more info let me know and I will snap some pictures.
I might add a third option to look at- The Domino by Festool- really excells at small mortises and is very fast. Of course it doesn't cut integral tenons.
The JDS Multi Router is a great machine. I own one, although my current work does not call for it much, I have to say in the years past it has been an absolute life saver. Its ability to cut integral tenons in compound situations make it a must for any kind of chair production. As Nektai said there are templates which are purchasable to allow tenon production. You may have to modify one in order to get that small a tenon, but for that kind of quantity it would be a no-brainer, definitely worth doing.
One thing you can do when running short production on the multi-router and you need a 3/4" integral tenon is:
1 Use a fence to locate your work- double stick tape or use th eplastic buttons they give you.
2 Use the 1" template and cut the tenon.
3 Then use a 1/4" spacer between the work and the fence to move it over and recut the tenon- it will remove the 1/4" and give you the smaller tenon.
It is also possible to create custom templates for the Multi-Router great for making odd produceable cuts. Perhaps a post for another day are some modifications I have made to the machine which take it just another step.
It is my understanding that the matchmaker is a poor mans multi-router. I have never used one, but at the price, i would be amazed if it was anything close. I would certainly look into it as it is way cheaper, but I wouldn't expect it to be quite the machine.
Pete
The JDS Multi Router is a great machine. I own one, although my current work does not call for it much, I have to say in the years past it has been an absolute life saver. Its ability to cut integral tenons in compound situations make it a must for any kind of chair production. As Nektai said there are templates which are purchasable to allow tenon production. You may have to modify one in order to get that small a tenon, but for that kind of quantity it would be a no-brainer, definitely worth doing.
One thing you can do when running short production on the multi-router and you need a 3/4" integral tenon is:
1 Use a fence to locate your work- double stick tape or use th eplastic buttons they give you.
2 Use the 1" template and cut the tenon.
3 Then use a 1/4" spacer between the work and the fence to move it over and recut the tenon- it will remove the 1/4" and give you the smaller tenon.
It is also possible to create custom templates for the Multi-Router great for making odd produceable cuts. Perhaps a post for another day are some modifications I have made to the machine which take it just another step.
It is my understanding that the matchmaker is a poor mans multi-router. I have never used one, but at the price, i would be amazed if it was anything close. I would certainly look into it as it is way cheaper, but I wouldn't expect it to be quite the machine.
Pete