Keith Smith
Established Member
I mentioned in another thread that I had a Multico PM16 mortiser and had used it to make a Mackintosh chair. Gentle arm twisting later and here is the (short) review.
The PM16 is probably the smallest mortiser that would be classed as durable enough for trade use, it costs around £350. I have used some of the cheaper units, they invariably use a tubular column which allows the head to flex and the pressure available is therefore very limited. The Multico uses a rectangular steel column with a dovetailed slideway on which the headstock slides. The headstock has adjusters on the side which allow for any wear/ play to be corrected and, in use, the whole thing is very stable which is essential if you want to cut an accurate mortise.
Chisel fitting is pretty straightforward and quick, everything is well made and fits. The lever arm and mechanism is substantial and allows reasonably effortless mortising in hardwoods. I use a ½ inch max chisel, if I need a larger mortise I just mortise from both sides of the workpiece. The rear fence works well it doesn’t move out of position half way through a job, but it could be improved by attaching a larger board to it; I haven’t got round to it yet.(I’ve only had it four years).
It is also possible to reverse the column on the baseplate which allows door mortising.
The only thing that I really dislike about this machine is the hold down clamp, the chisel will drive into hardwoods easily but getting it back out can be a pain. If the wood is not held down absolutely firmly, as the chisel is withdrawn the wood tilts, the chisel is gripped tightly and won’t come out. This is the same for all mortisers but the hold down clamp on the Multico is just not up to the standard of the rest of the machine. I have meant to modify it, but it is another of those jobs I just haven’t got round to.
One other cause for concern is that Multico have moved their operation to France. I recently needed a new gas strut and it took ages to get any answer from them. The strutt cost me nearly £50 which I thought was a bit steep, as they are usually about £25 for this size.
Despite my minor gripes I think that, all in all, this is an excellent machine for the money. Mine came with the optional drill conversion kit which is well worth having especially if you don't already own a pillar drill.
The PM16 is probably the smallest mortiser that would be classed as durable enough for trade use, it costs around £350. I have used some of the cheaper units, they invariably use a tubular column which allows the head to flex and the pressure available is therefore very limited. The Multico uses a rectangular steel column with a dovetailed slideway on which the headstock slides. The headstock has adjusters on the side which allow for any wear/ play to be corrected and, in use, the whole thing is very stable which is essential if you want to cut an accurate mortise.
Chisel fitting is pretty straightforward and quick, everything is well made and fits. The lever arm and mechanism is substantial and allows reasonably effortless mortising in hardwoods. I use a ½ inch max chisel, if I need a larger mortise I just mortise from both sides of the workpiece. The rear fence works well it doesn’t move out of position half way through a job, but it could be improved by attaching a larger board to it; I haven’t got round to it yet.(I’ve only had it four years).
It is also possible to reverse the column on the baseplate which allows door mortising.
The only thing that I really dislike about this machine is the hold down clamp, the chisel will drive into hardwoods easily but getting it back out can be a pain. If the wood is not held down absolutely firmly, as the chisel is withdrawn the wood tilts, the chisel is gripped tightly and won’t come out. This is the same for all mortisers but the hold down clamp on the Multico is just not up to the standard of the rest of the machine. I have meant to modify it, but it is another of those jobs I just haven’t got round to.
One other cause for concern is that Multico have moved their operation to France. I recently needed a new gas strut and it took ages to get any answer from them. The strutt cost me nearly £50 which I thought was a bit steep, as they are usually about £25 for this size.
Despite my minor gripes I think that, all in all, this is an excellent machine for the money. Mine came with the optional drill conversion kit which is well worth having especially if you don't already own a pillar drill.
