JessEm Mortise Mill

[John M Wilson]

I got an email today from Jessem introducing their "Mortise Mill II".

It looks intriguing, especially for the introductory price of $69.99.

Here's a link: http://www.jessemdirect.com/Pocket_Mortise_Mill_p/08200.htm

I know the earlier iterations of this jig have been discussed on this forum. Any thoughts on this new version?

[Dan Rude]

I haven't used it yet, but I have the first generation of this one. Looks like they modified it to be more like its big brother. I paid their intro price for both of mine when Woodcraft clearanced them about 2 years ago. I figured I couldn't go wrong. I have only seen a couple of threads on them though, and haven't used them other than some test pieces.
Dan

[Rick Potter]

Kinda works like a poor mans Domino crossed with a Beadlock system. Wonder how long that drill bit lasts?

Rick Potter

[Myk Rian]

Boy. That one is a whole lot different from the first.

[Carl Babel]

I have the first gen Pocket Mortise Mill. Like Dan, I got it on clearance from Woodcraft. I notice two big differences between the original and the new version:
1) Ease of use.
This new version looks much easier to use.
The original works well, but is a bit fussy to set up.
2) Technique.
New version video shows drilling a series of holes 1/4" apart, then doing side-to-side only at end.
Original video showed side-to-side from beginning, with slight downward pressure.
I would think that the new technique would mitigate any concerns over early bit failure.

I had been thinking about building a jig to assist with using my original version pocket mortise mill. Maybe I will just spring for the new version, instead. If I do, I will try to do a comparison thread.