Thanks so much for the thorough reply! Maybe I'll just pick up some
Forstner bits. Some on sale at Rockler right now I think. I guess I'm
always paranoid I'll start a project and not have the tools to get it
done. Thanks for the help. I was wondrin' if I could get by with the
drill press instead of buying a dedicated mortiser.
Andy wrote:
wrote:
Another noob question. Sorry! :-) Just wonderin' what most of you
guys/gals use to make mortise and tenons. Seems like this is a very
common joint for furniture construction and I'm trying to decide what
the next thing I need for my fledgling woodworking shop. I just ordered
a router and dovetail jig. Wow, it seems like a never ending inventory
for tools, LOL. I'm trying to get the essentials first. It will be a
while before I'll be able to afford a jointer and a thickness planer.
I'll probably rely on dimensioned lumber and a hand planer for now.
I've got circular saws, jig saws, a compound miter saw, a router (in
the mail, thanks Rockler), drills etc. I'll have a table saw, radial
saw, drill press and a router table in January when my dad comes to
visit ( thanks Santa). Do I need a mortiser? Any other essential tools?

Wow - it sounds like you already have a lot of toys. My advice: start
making stuff! Before you accumulate more tools you might or might not
use, do some woodworking. See what types of projects and what styles
of construction you like and don't like, and buy your next tools
accordingly. For example, I would have almost no use for a biscuit
joiner, but I use a router, bandsaw, and hand planes on almost every
single project. If you're not into mission style furniture, a mortiser
might not be a good investment - a plunge router jig or drill
press+forstner bits+chisels can do just as well for many applications,
without very much hassle. I've used both of these methods for
mortises, and they both work fine. For tenons, I've used any or all of
the following, depending on the situation: a rabbeting bit in the
router table, a bandsaw, japanese hand saws, a shoulder plane, and
chisels.
I do have a FEW other 'essential tool' recommendations, since you
asked... If you don't already have one, a good cordless drill is
valuable for a variety of woodworking and home improvement projects
(the Panasonic 15.6V NiMH or the new Makita 18V Li-Ion Compact look
like particularly nice choices, but IMO a full-size 18V is overkill in
a wood shop). Of course you can never have too many clamps. I think
Forstner bits are essentials also, especially with a drill press. I'd
strongly recommend some good-quality measuring tools (a good (i.e.
$50) combination square, a dial or digital caliper, a few rules of various lengths, etc.).
Overall, though, your list of essential tools will depend entirely on
what you plan to make.
Have fun and stay safe,
Andy