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Door lock mortisers

10/3/16       
Steve

Can anyone share advise about the Porter Cable versus the Virutex door lock mortisers?

10/4/16       #2: Door lock mortisers ...
eric z

we have had the virtutex for 3+ years and have mortised about 40 doors with it in that time. i have never used the PC.

it does a good job- but it has some issues! every time i turn it on i am reminded on how LOUD it is! dust collection is so so (the port does not mate well with standard festool vac size) also the depth and mortise length settings are a bit strange in that you don't really know what you are going to get at x and y settings- we ALWAYS do a test cut in scrap before taking it to a finished door.

the clamping system is great though and basically foolproof (always stays centered).
there is a way to set it up for rabetted/ euro doors too but we've never done it.

the bits system is simple and effective and they have had them in stock when needed.

to summarize- its not perfect but i would buy it again. hope that helps.

10/4/16       #3: Door lock mortisers ...
David R Sochar Member

We have the PC mortiser. Like the Virutex (per Eric's post above), it does a good job but has some issues.

The dust collection is non existent. It also is loud. Settings are a bit vague, but the clamps do hold it in place. We have been trying to get bits for the multipoint latches with no luck. One of those things that apparently are not made anymore?

The machine is powerful and has no problem making a decent mortise parallel to the stile faces. I have never used anything else. 12 years ago we replaced some of the parts that regulate depth and length.

I fantasize about doing the latch stiles on the Maka mortiser before the doors are assembled, but it just has not been a way that we do things, so we pass it over.

10/4/16       #4: Door lock mortisers ...
Steve

Eric and David - thank you both for your responses. My understanding is that the Virutex has an added capability of being able to be used horizontally as well as vertically and the PC is limited to vertical use only. Is this true in your experiences?

10/4/16       #5: Door lock mortisers ...
Geoff

I have never used the PC so this is not a comparison.

The Virutex has great support and fast service on parts.

10/4/16       #6: Door lock mortisers ...
David R Sochar Member

We have used the PC mortiser on a door hung in place, though most are done in a door buck with the door out of the frame.

10/5/16       #7: Door lock mortisers ...
Chris

Website: http://www.hofmannjoinery.com

I have a PC and agree with the above posts. Once you get the hang of it, set up is fine if you you use a test piece (which is key). Mine is missing the rod set where you can index down to the same height from the top of each door. That would've been nice, but I just put blue tape on the edge of the door with a reference mark.

Mafell makes a chain mortiser too. I don't know anything about them other than they are pretty salty....

10/5/16       #8: Door lock mortisers ...
Joe Calhoon

We have a Mafell lock mortiser I found used. Chains are expensive for these. This one has 2 chains so there is no tear out.

We have a 16mm chain. It is no problem to make a wider mortise. We did this with the Maka and a slot mortiser for years. A lot of customers do not make up their mind on hardware till the last minute so its nice to be able to do an assembled or finished door.


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10/6/16       #9: Door lock mortisers ...
Mackenzie

I have a porter cable. My only complaint is it doesn't return, or exit the cut mechanicly- I have to shut it off, grab the motor with both hands and pull it out. No big deal but it seems like I should be able to turn the crank the opposite direction and it come out.

11/3/16       #10: Door lock mortisers ...
chad@adamsarch.com

Website: http://adamsarch.com

Hi Steve - I have a used Porter Cable door mortise set-up for sale if you have not bought one yet. Used only a couple times.


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