Joinery is the most important part of any project — it literally ties things together. And, just like there’s more than one way to skin a cat, there’s even more ways to make a table. This issue’s Great Gear begins with a new tool from Kreg, which presents a quick and easy method of making loose tenon joints.
Following that is a series of T-track accessories from Milescraft. While joinery is far from their only function, users of T-track workbenches and tables will find much to appreciate in the selection Milescraft provides, whether it’s joining, planing, sanding, or any other task.
KREG MORTISEMATE
The first tool to look at is the MortiseMate from Kreg. This nifty tool is a jig that allows you to cut mortises for loose tenon joints (with matching loose tenons also available from Kreg).
DRILLED MORTISES.
For those interested in loose tenon joinery, a variety of commercial options are available. Domino joiners are great choices, but a tool like the MortiseMate offers a distinct advantage. Where other systems often require proprietary tools, the jig here works with nearly any hand drill — and not requiring a new power tool naturally means a much lower price tag.
SETUP.
 |
 |
| Attaching an auxiliary base to main base allows for more options when clamping the jig onto your workbench. | To locate the mortise, align the jig’s centerline with marked lines on one of your workpieces. Or you can use the built-in gauge. |
The MortiseMate is an easy tool to set up. It comes with a “mini worksurface” attached to the jig itself. Four additional pilot holes and screws are included, with Kreg’s suggestion that you secure the jig to your workbench. I didn’t want the jig to be a permanent fixture however, and chose instead to secure it to a larger piece of plywood I could clamp to my bench (left photo above).
The upper right photo shows centerlines that assist in locating the mortise. Another option is to use the thickness gauge that’s based on common stock sizes.
USING THE MORTISEMATE
Using the MortiseMate is easy, and pretty fun too. As I mentioned before, any corded or cordless hand drill you can chuck the bit into will work.
THE BIT.
Although you'll be using a drill, the bits used for the MortiseMate are more like router bits than drill bits. The bit is designed to cut side-to-side (in addition to plunge cutting), guided by the carriage as you use the jig. The tool comes with a 6mm carbide cutter (though 8mm and 10mm options are also available), along with a stop collar to set the depth of the mortise.
 |
 |
  |
| As you drive in the drill, move the handle to slide the carriage, removing waste across the mortise. | As the lever reaches the end, it ratchets 1⁄16" deeper, gradually increasing the depth of the mortise. | Stop drilling once the carriage ratchets fully, the mortise is complete. Pushing the carriage release button springs the carriage back to its original position, ready to drill out another mortise. |
IN ACTION.
You can see in the steps above how the jig works. You'll begin by inserting the bit into the carriage, then moving the lever as you push in (Step 1). When you reach the end, the carriage ratchets in by 1⁄16". Move the lever back and forth, steadily driving in until you reach the full depth. Once finished, pressing the release button will send the spring-loaded carriage back to its original position (as in Step 3).
