Let’s Dive into Shop Fox Mortising Attachment Kit
The Shop Fox Mortising Attachment Kit offers woodworkers a relatively affordable way to transform their existing drill press into a mortising machine. This kit, manufactured by Shop Fox, promises to deliver clean, accurate mortises without the expense of a dedicated mortising machine. It includes a cast iron chisel holder, fence, hold-down assembly, quill alignment pin, four chisels, bushings, and a carrying case.
I decided to try this kit because I needed to create mortise and tenon joints for a large woodworking project, but lacked a dedicated mortising machine. The cost of a new mortiser was prohibitive, and I hoped this attachment would provide a suitable alternative.
The kit arrived well-packaged. My initial impression was positive; the cast iron components felt solid and well-made. The chisels appeared sharp, and the inclusion of various bushings suggested versatility.
I considered other mortising attachments, but many seemed flimsy or lacked the necessary bushing options to fit my drill press. The Shop Fox kit appeared to offer a better combination of value and functionality. My first impression was one of cautious optimism – excited to potentially save money and space, but also aware that compromises are often necessary with universal attachments.
Real-World Testing: Putting Shop Fox Mortising Attachment Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Shop Fox Mortising Attachment Kit in my workshop, mortising red oak for a timber frame project. The humidity was moderate, and the temperature was around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Installation on my drill press took about an hour, requiring careful alignment using the provided pin.
The initial cuts were rough, and I spent considerable time adjusting the fence and hold-down to minimize tear-out. Cutting mortises in dense hardwood required patience and multiple passes, and the drill press strained noticeably.
After several hours of use, the hold-down slipped occasionally, requiring re-adjustment. The chisels dulled more quickly than expected, leaving burn marks on the wood.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Shop Fox Mortising Attachment Kit on various projects, it’s clear it requires a significant amount of fine-tuning and isn’t as efficient as a standalone mortiser. While it does create mortises, the process is slower and requires more effort.
The cast iron components have held up well, showing no signs of cracking or deformation. The chisels, however, require frequent sharpening. The hold-down mechanism occasionally slips, impacting precision. Maintaining proper lubrication of the moving parts is essential to prevent binding and premature wear. While the kit is functional, it doesn’t match the speed or precision of a dedicated mortising machine, falling short of expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Shop Fox Mortising Attachment Kit
Specifications
The Shop Fox Mortising Attachment Kit includes a cast iron chisel holder and fence, designed to provide stability and support during mortising. A hold-down assembly secures the workpiece, preventing movement during the cutting process. A quill alignment pin assists in aligning the attachment with the drill press spindle.
The kit comes with four chisels: 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″, and 1/2″, accommodating various mortise sizes. Three 2-piece bushings and three split bushings are included, with sizes: 2.945″ OD x 2.600″ ID, 2.600″ OD x 2.366″ ID, 2.366″ OD x 2.170″ ID, 2.600″ OD x 2.000″ ID, 2.600″ OD x 1.880″ ID, and 2.600″ OD x 1.570″ ID. These bushings allow the kit to be adapted to different drill press quill diameters. The chisels have a 3/4″ outer diameter. The bushings are critical to ensuring a secure fit and minimizing vibration during operation.
Performance & Functionality
The Shop Fox Mortising Attachment Kit performs adequately for occasional mortising tasks, but struggles with high-volume or precision work. It is able to cut square mortises, but requires careful setup and frequent adjustments to maintain accuracy.
The chisel selection is decent, but the chisels themselves are not of the highest quality and dull quickly. The hold-down mechanism is a weak point, prone to slipping and requiring constant re-tightening. While it does perform the function of creating mortises, it falls short of the speed and precision offered by dedicated mortising machines.
Design & Ergonomics
The cast iron construction of the Shop Fox Mortising Attachment Kit gives it a sturdy feel, but also makes it somewhat heavy and cumbersome to install. The fence is adjustable, but the locking mechanism is not particularly robust.
The hold-down assembly is fiddly to adjust and prone to loosening during operation. The design lacks some of the refinements found in higher-end mortising attachments, resulting in a steeper learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The cast iron components of the Shop Fox Mortising Attachment Kit appear durable and should withstand regular use. The chisels, however, are a consumable item and will require frequent sharpening or replacement.
Maintaining the kit involves keeping the moving parts lubricated and the chisels sharp. The hold-down mechanism may require occasional tightening to prevent slippage.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Shop Fox Mortising Attachment Kit comes with a basic set of chisels and bushings, offering some degree of versatility. Aftermarket chisels with 3/4″ outer diameter shanks can be used to expand the range of mortise sizes.
There are limited customization options available for the attachment itself. Some users have modified the hold-down mechanism to improve its grip, but these modifications are not officially supported. The limited customization options restrict the kit’s adaptability to specific woodworking needs.
Pros and Cons of Shop Fox Mortising Attachment Kit
Pros
- Provides a relatively inexpensive way to create mortises using an existing drill press.
- Includes a variety of bushings to fit different drill press quill diameters.
- Cast iron construction offers decent stability.
- Suitable for occasional mortising tasks.
- Comes with a carrying case for storage and transport.
Cons
- Requires significant setup and adjustment to achieve accurate mortises.
- Chisels are not of the highest quality and dull quickly.
- Hold-down mechanism is prone to slipping.
- Not as fast or precise as a dedicated mortising machine.
Who Should Buy Shop Fox Mortising Attachment Kit?
The Shop Fox Mortising Attachment Kit is perfect for hobbyist woodworkers who occasionally need to create mortise and tenon joints, but cannot justify the cost of a dedicated mortising machine. It is also suitable for those with limited shop space, as it utilizes an existing drill press.
This product is not recommended for professional woodworkers or those who require high-volume or precision mortising. Individuals who prioritize speed and ease of use should also consider investing in a dedicated mortising machine. Must-have accessories include a high-quality chisel sharpening system and potentially an upgraded hold-down clamp.
Conclusion on Shop Fox Mortising Attachment Kit
The Shop Fox Mortising Attachment Kit offers a budget-friendly entry point into mortise and tenon joinery. While it does provide a functional way to create mortises, it requires significant setup, adjustment, and patience.
The price is justified for those who only occasionally need to create mortises. However, the compromises in speed, precision, and ease of use are significant.
I would recommend this product with reservations. If you have limited funds and shop space, it’s a decent option. But, if you can afford it, a dedicated mortising machine will provide a far superior experience. If you’re on the fence, consider whether the time saved and improved accuracy of a standalone mortiser are worth the investment.