Why you should try mortising by hand

This old-timey technique can save you time and be REALLY satisfying too!
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[johnslaughter]

I'm going to Woodcraft Saturday. I think I'll see about picking up a mortising chisel. The 3/8" costs $47. I've always got a bunch of scrap 2x4s that'll be perfect for practicing. I might be 70, but I don't consider myself too old to learn something new. In fact, I've always lived by the old adage, "If the day goes by that you don't learn something new, it's a wasted day."
Thanks, James.

[fiberinspector]

ok James, love your video's. Please consider adding closed caption to them so old, and I mean old woodworkers like myself can follow when we cannot hear the words. Thanks BobT

[garlandmusic]

I work on Hammond Organs. These were extremely expensive and considered high-end mass-produced furniture in their day. My earliest organ is a 1937 model, and I have been trying to figure out how they made their mortises: there are pencil marks on the stretchers, indicating they had not moved to a purpose-built machine yet. I have no doubt they used mortising chisels. I have also been trying to figure out how to replace a stretcher - two tenons, one mortise - for about 8 years. Now I know exactly how to tackle this problem. Thank you!

[guitar_slay]

I am in my first year as a woodworker. I've been a carpenter by trade since my early 20s. It is so clear that you not only are a wealth of knowledge but a passionate woodworker! Thank you for the content you create! And the website is legit sir. What a wonderful resource you have created to share with all of us! Dying breeds? Nope. Keep it alive!

[ronl]

I want to thank you for making all the videos, i look forward to and really enjoy them

[SteveC]

It's always a pleasure to watch a skilled craftsman at his trade!

[alexvonbosse]

That was an excellent demonstration on cutting mortises by hand! Thank you so much for sharing and keep up your great work!

[markpalmer]

I think that's the best tutorial I've seen on this topic, thank you.

[Carp]

You're the best. Always something new to learn with everyone of your videos.

[BentusiProgenitors]

I'm so thankful for you and your videos. Its cool to think that all your knowledge will be available to me and the rest of the world forever, helping us to be the best woodworkers we can be and pass this on to others the way you do for us. Your a hero. Thank you for everything you do.

[cliveturner]

Brilliant tutorial containing great advice. Thank you Stumpy Nubs.

[davnunn]

Thanks, that was very helpful. Great to see how this approach was used on a real project.

[erictheviking]

You explain things so well, James. I'm yet another of your viewers about to go into the shed and give this a try. I think I even have an inherited mortise chisel. Many thanks.

[msgwood]

I've only just come across your videos. You are a natural educator and an excellent teacher. Thank you for making your videos!

[redsalem]

I learned way more in this video than I thought I would. I've had this exact chisel in my shop but always used a bench chisel for mortises. No wonder I found it so time consuming. Thanks for posting.

[sdcofer]

One more point may be that by leaving that 1/8 inch margin at each end you are able to lever without damaging the ends of your mortise. Nicely done.

[billdiehl]

Loved this tutorial!! Heading to the shop as soon as my mortising chisel arrives!

[joeyleerobbins]

This is an awesome tutorial! Thank you for this video! I am terrible at mortises and I think this will really help me! The proper tool is as always key! Thank you!

[deany]

Great video. You're so right about the amount of time to setup when using power tools, especially when sharing the workspace with a car. Will definitely pickup a Narex mortising chisel and practice doing this by hand. BTW, love that can of Billy Beer in your recent videos.

[coreygrua]

CONSISTENTLY a fine and fun learning experience from a presenter who is CONSISTENTLY a fine and fun teacher.