Mortice lock jigs

[bowleya]

I like most of you use the old chisel and hammer method when fitting mortice locks. Even though i am no carpenter i am quite happy using the above but sometimes i get frustrated with the length of time it takes me to get the job done. My question is does anybody use the Mortice lock jigs and are they as easy to use as all the sales literature make out??. All tips and ideas greatfully accepted

[toomush2drink]

I use the souber one for cutting the lock bodies and you cant get a better tool for rebated doors.

[jdeacon]

I find it indispensible. Easier, quicker and straighter - you can't wander off to (or, worse, out of) the side in a moment of distraction. I use the Souber one as well. I wish it cut the keep box hole as well.

Do have at least a couple of practices on a piece of scrap 3" by 2", though. It's not difficult to cut the mortice fractionally too small, and you don't tend to find out until you've taken the jig off the door. You also need to get use to which hand does what: the up-and-down hand moves the jig's drill housing and the housing moves the drill; vice-versa doesn't work. The other hand applies a bit of forward pressure. The cutting takes place during the up and down movement, in several shallow cuts. It's more milling than drilling.

[Shrub]

A worn mortiser will cut out of true and you cant adjust the souber one which is know for wear but mine has done a lot of work and ive no issues with it.

The lock jigs i think your on about that use a router arent really worth getting as you really need the door off to do it and the set up time isnt as quick as the souber one.

The souber one is the one to get but go for the offset one, in some instances it will do the striker box.

[prim]

I got a Souber mortiser, have used it a few times.

I find the good old chisel and mallet the best and just as neat, I also find the old way to be quicker.

The last time I used the mortise the cutter hit a nail that I did not see as
it was deep into the door, this had damaged the cutter.

Because I can’t be bothered to sharpen it and I perfir the old way the mortiser is no longer used.

[toomush2drink]

I have to agree with you there prim im faster now by hand than with the jig but the jig is great on the multiple instals, just set it up and go round all the doors.