Massive Monster Mortiser. The Powermatic 400 hollow chisel mortiser

[@lani5048]

What i love about these old tools is that they are built to last

[@MikeFarrington]

Totally agree.

[@bob_frazier]

Retired shop teacher here: we generally moved away from "craftsmanship" and toward "manufacturing" in the 80's and 90's sidelining the old mortisers. Sad but true. Then we moved away from manufacturing and toward "technology" in the 21st century. We lost a lot of ground trying to stay relevant and keep our programs open. NOT saying it was a good direction, just saying it was what it was. So proud of guys like Mike.

[@MikeFarrington]

I really couldn't tell you what's best to teach kids to prepare them for the workforce. All I know is craftsmanship is important to me, and I would prefer that it not die all together. I think its really neat that we have outlets (like KZbin) where those who want can come learn. Thats really the core of my channel, at least thats the aim.

[@artszabo1015]

@@MikeFarrington You do it, and you do it very well. From an old guy, if I was your Dad I would be very proud of you. On second thought I am proud of you anyway. Art from Ohio

[@MikeFarrington]

@@artszabo1015 Thank you very much Art.

[@joschmoyo4532]

In Europe there is still a demand for quality door's and window's but modern cutter heads are replacing many mortise and tenon joints with exotic finger type joint's. The result is window's that last thirty years instead of at least 150 year's and more. But far worse than that was wood shop teacher's who hated their pupils and never made any effort to connect and share their knowledge. Mainly because they had little or no real world experience in the trade. They were to busy chasing other teacher's and flogging socialism. Uni graduates looking for an easy posting. Craftsmanship is about building character as much as technical skill. You only remembered and respected the teachers that cared. I only remember one. Luckily my grandfather was an exceptional craftsman and shared all he knew. Those that could did, those that couldn't.....

[@larrybud]

I still have a chessboard I made in 8th grade, and that along with other things sparked an interest in woodworking, at least as a hobby, for the last 40 years. If shop classes did nothing else, they installed a sense of accomplishment of getting a task done from start to finish, which can be used in every walk of life.

[@teacher_of_the_arcane5399]

We had one of these in our woodshop circa 1980, and it was second hand and refurbished then ! Tech tip ... drill your end holes (top and bottom of mortise) first, then take out the wood between them .... the chisel tends to flex when only one side is rubbing against wood giving a taper to the mortise. Enjoy !!

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you.

[@dabeamer42]

If I were to try to do that kind of a job, I can guarantee two outcomes: 1) I would not be able to get everything back together correctly, regardless of how careful I was (even making a video of the disassembly would not be enough), and 2) I would drop one of those big heavy pieces on my foot. Or if I was fortunate, said piece would fall directly to the floor, and then break. But the proprietor here has none of my disastrous predilections. Well done, sir.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you.

[@derekwade3257]

Wish more tools and general items were built to last. Really like what you are doing, thank you.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much.

[@billyeast6819]

Great video. Great tool! The lack of wood shop and metal shop courses in schools is sad.

[@MikeFarrington]

I agree.

[@NBCRGraphicDesign]

That orange is actually a signature color primer that Powermatic used in the "Olden Days".

[@MikeFarrington]

Ah, good stuff.

[@markbarrett1632]

Nice one Mike history back in the future the old ones are the best.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thanks Mark.

[@scottmcfarland1177]

That's the way tools should be made! What a beast nice job!

[@MikeFarrington]

Agreed, thank you.

[@TheArtificiallyIntelligent]

That bent bolt to hold the rear enclosure is so intriguing.

[@MikeFarrington]

Right, seemed like an after thought.

[@adamchesis7443]

I enjoy your restorations, People just don't understand how much better the old cast American machinery really is, I recently picked up an Oliver 133bd jointer, it was in pieces when I got it, cleaned it painted it and when I put it back together, the beds were dead flat, this thing was made in 1954 and its still dead on today, no shimming or tweaking it at all I have had 2 people ask me to help them with their brand new asian jointers, and one I couldn't for the life of me get right the other one took 6 hours of fussing with it to get it to be functional. It's so sad so many great companies that made amazing machines are now gone, at least we can still get the great stuff that was made years ago.

[@MikeFarrington]

I hear ya. It's definitely a shame.

[@nickbailey202]

I love all your videos, but there's something hypnotic and pleasing about these rebuilds

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you Nick.

[@joergsrom6221]

Yes, you are right. Such old equipment are part of our culture. I also feel great happiness when disassembling them an see how clever they did construction without computer and software only by their mind Thank you for the video. Thomas

[@MikeFarrington]

Well said!

[@kerryjuntunen7292]

That was terrific, Michael! Thanks for believing in Education.

[@MikeFarrington]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@danboggess707]

As a relatively proud graduate of the Albuquerque Public School system, I applaud you Sir!

[@MikeFarrington]

Thanks Dan.

[@danasmith8950]

That's a drool-worthy tool. Pro tip: video all dis-assembly so you can't possible forget how it goes back together and in what order. . .😁 Oh, and that t-shirt is the perfect capture of a moment in time. Kudos.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you. Pictures help too.

[@ammerconsulting]

what a great old tool and a great addition to any wood shop.

[@MikeFarrington]

Yes indeed!

[@mhorlor]

Thankyou for all your time putting these videos together

[@MikeFarrington]

My pleasure!

[@167curly]

It's great to see such a quality tool given a new life in your Board Room, Mike.

[@MikeFarrington]

Yes indeed!

[@suzisaintjames]

One thing I would add to your accessories caddy 14:16 is a place to hang your air hose. It's often handy to have compressed air within reach to blow the sawdust out of the mortise now and then. 💖🌞🌵😷

[@bobbg9041]

One problem with air hoses on power equipment, you can blow sawdust on the ways drying out the lube causing the part to rust, in a machine shop on a mill they put wipes on the dovetale ways but blowing chips can push chips past the wipe and cause dammage to the ways. This does serious dammage to the machine accuracy my advice loose the air hose and use a soft paint brush to sweep the dust or chips away. I spent years in a machine shop where everyone used air hoses to blow off chips sure its fast, but it also leads to problems on the machines working parts.

[@suzisaintjames]

@@bobbg9041 , good point. I use a brush on dovetails and shallow mortises, but deep ones that need several passes, I like air. I've used a stick to dig out the sawdust, but the chisel is hanging there and I've nicked my hand on it. I guess it depends on who's doing the maintenance. Either way he needs a place to hang a cleaning tool (brush or air). 👍. Sending lots of love 💖 from sunny 🌞 Arizona 🌵😷

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you Suzi, I think an air hose near by would be good. It could also be used for cooling the bit as well.

[@jasongarced6871]

Blue raspberry grease is THEE absolute best flavor of grease!!

[@MikeFarrington]

Totally agree.

[@jameshodgins1937]

Great restoration. I think it great you get old tools, restore them, and use them. I have a 70 year old Clausing Lathe from my Dad I am restoring. It's a lot of fun. I think it is terrable that schools have gotten rid of shop classes. And, I think it is great you are teaching your son. Love your videos.

[@MikeFarrington]

Very cool. I am in the market for an old metal lathe as well.

[@davidricketts4357]

Very cool. It's always great to bring life back to old tools.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you. Agreed.

[@PeterEss]

I think another pro tip is to film the disassembly so you can reference it when putting stuff back together!

[@MikeFarrington]

That is true, if I was not filming, I would have taken pictures. Though its a thing for me, I challenge myself to only look at the film if I really need to, I like to push myself to try and figure it out without any help.

[@korycoster3586]

Hi Mike Farrington. Love me some old tool restoration. It's true what they say, "they don't make 'em like they used to.

[@MikeFarrington]

Very true.

[@martymcmanus759]

Blue raspberry grease is my favorite flavor! Love the restoration videos. Good to see that these old shop class machines are receiving a second life.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you. I feel duty bound to keep them alive.

[@homesteadorbust]

Beat me to it lol

[@henrysara7716]

Great bring back to life video Mike.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you.

[@Frankreddy62]

Great video Mike. Nice to see an old machine like that get a new life. Your musical choice is awesome. I went to high school with one of the guitarist from Judas Priest. Al Pitrelli. He plays with Trans Siberian Orchestra too.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you. That is really neat. Both bands are great by the way.

[@benoitfauteux4920]

Good job on your pronunciation of accoutrements. Love your videos. Cheers from Montréal!

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much.

[@l.k.1011]

It is a real pleasure to see you restoring those beautiful engineered machines. Also: thank you for the song recommendation. As you said, fits proper for our current time. All the best from Austria.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much.

[@akirch9]

Those old green and white, Tennessee made Powermatic machines were the epitome of over-engineered and their repeatability really makes them a pleasure to work on. I have a Powermatic 8' jointer of the same pedigree with a byrd head on it and couldn't accidentally bump it out of 90 with a sledge. The variable speed addition was a fantastic idea and will go a long way in saving you from overheating augers on those big mortises!

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you. Indeed a great time for tool making. Yeah, heat really is the enemy of the augers. They burn up in a hurry if not careful. Hopefully slowing things down a little will help.

[@leeharveydarke]

I'll tell you something else that's also a pleasure - every single Mike Farrington video. Always a joy to see you work.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much.

[@gregarioussolitudinist5695]

Peculiar. Had this album on 8 track when it came out. Was streaming on Amazon the other night and listened to this very song, and while I was at it, You've got another thing Comin'.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you. Its a great song.

[@Hawthorn-nz]

Love that wheel - "All aboard...."

[@MikeFarrington]

Haha!

[@kiwdwks]

Nice job. The old machines are the best! You have a nice shop machine addition...

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much.

[@terristroh3965]

That’s a great addition to the Boardroom. It saddens me that more and more schools neglect the trades as viable careers that need specialized training . It’s starting to really affect consumers and companies alike. Great song selection. I just heard it the other day and totally agree with your interpretation.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you. I'm with ya for sure.

[@BenNawrath]

Great video! I love tool restoration, too. I keep a box of quart size freezer bags for this stuff. They have that plastic slider to seal them and a white spot for labeling. Super handy.

[@MikeFarrington]

I don't that when things get really complicated. That and a sharpie.

[@jhc500]

I know this is tangential to the content, but seriously great video production on this one. Such smooth cuts and transitions between assembly shots and sped up shots showing function, and perfect narration timing. I've always been impressed with how well you marry the narration and the shots. You know it's good when you don't need a single arrow or callout or label to know exactly what you're talking about.

[@MikeFarrington]

Wow, that is a great compliment, thank you very much.

[@suzisaintjames]

@@MikeFarrington, Jim's right! He's just put in words better than I ever could!💖 🌞🌵😷

[@MikeFarrington]

@@suzisaintjames Thank you Suzi.

[@mauriceryton]

Love all these restorations…this one was a gift. Just a minor bit of wear, a good clean and you were back in business. Very simple design but solidly built too. You're going to love using this tool.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you. Yeah, I got luck on this one.

[@Stonky77]

Awesome. Seeing Priest in March.

[@MikeFarrington]

That is way cool. Robs voice is still crazy good.

[@badshot1401]

Come for the song recommendation...stay for the content. Keep it up Mike, thank you.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you, will do.

[@c.a.g.1977]

Very cool! I've seen this type of tool in a woodshop at a capentry school once, where I was taking a woodworking class. The teacher said: Hey, wanna see a drill that makes square holes?

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you.

[@rockbandgamer]

I'm convinced that there's no nicer mortiser on earth after you gave this bad boy the Medium Density Farrington treatment. Merry Christmas!

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you Steve.

[@FearsomeWarrior]

Foot pedal cover maybe a good idea in a shop with more than one guy walking around. Just you there. Made it more visible but in the end I think it’s placement. If it’s not sticking out in a well traveled spot. Great seeing how this big machine works. Getting casted parts almost seems impossible these days. I know there are places out there. It compared to the days of yore, it’s a little tragic to me.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you. I agree with your thoughts on the pedal, I think long term this will be in a corner out of the way. Casting in the US anyway is a boutique process, only specialty items are done here.

[@suzisaintjames]

That ultrasonic cleaner is also great for cleaning your jewelry. (I have a mini.) Sending lots of love 💖 from sunny 🌞 Arizona 🌵😷

[@MikeFarrington]

Good tip. What do you use for the cleaner? Thank you.

[@suzisaintjames]

@@MikeFarrington, there's a jewelry cleaner, but I think it's just dish soap and water... It's mainly the vibration that shakes all the debris away. If it's a heavily worn piece and especially dirty. I might try shampoo or body wash and water as they target body oils. I bet you could even polish your silverware in it! 💖🌞🌵😷

[@MikeFarrington]

@@suzisaintjames Funny how great dish soap is. Thank you for the good tips.

[@garydelder]

Nice find, found one myself but not as big. Still, self standing. Great video. Good job.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you.

[@Eric-469]

The shop apprentice is getting big!!

[@MikeFarrington]

Indeed he is.

[@dafirnz]

When you're using an ultrasonic cleaner for either small parts, or really dirty stuff, you can just put the parts and cleaning solution in something like a mason jar. That way you can just use water in the machine itself and then you don't have to clean it out.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thats a great tip for sure. When I'm working on my motorcycle and I have a few small bolts, I float a small dish with some liquid and the bolts, works perfectly.

[@anthonylandry7924]

(Apprentice tip) Take pictures with your phone camera as you disassemble to help in reassemble. Great video thanks 🇺🇸

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you. Yes, pictures are very helpful.

[@williamellis8993]

That's a real tool, Mike. Great restoration, too. It's always good to get the apprentice involved in the shop. You'll both be glad you did when he gets older. Take care. Bill

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you Bill.

[@ElliotNesterman]

FWIW, the gears that engage at right angles to each other are called bevel gears, for obvious reasons. A pinion is round gear and usually refers to the smaller of two meshed gears, as in rack and pinion. The left-right table adjustment is a rack and pinion system, the pinion being the spur gear on the shaft and the rack being the linear gear on the underside of the table.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you for that. I knew the rack and pinion thing, but I didn't know bevel gears. So what's the deal with a pinion gear in the rear end of a car?

[@ElliotNesterman]

@@MikeFarrington The pinion, which is attached to the drive shaft, meshes with and drives the crown gear of the differential.

[@MikeFarrington]

@@ElliotNesterman Ah, makes sense. I should have given that some more thought. Thats why they call it a ring and pinion. Thank you for the good info. I learn something everyday.

[@hellwein]

I just found your channel and have been binging on it since. Your content is highly informative; just the kind of techniques I am looking for. Your understated humor and delivery are a bonus!

[@MikeFarrington]

Awesome, thank you!

[@marting.7564]

Always a pleasure.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you.

[@rodpotts2666]

Yea great song. Nice machine!

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you.

[@leus]

Watching the shop apprentice playing with tools brings back vivid memories of me at that age playing at my father's workshop.

[@MikeFarrington]

Yup, me too.

[@GreggsWoodworking]

Great score Mike. Beautiful machine.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thanks 👍

[@MikePowersTSIG]

It's very rare to find someone willing to go the extra mile, and not only use some serious elbow grease but break out the elusive shoulder grease. Usually reserved for grouting tile or the Miyagi wax on wax off 😜

[@MikeFarrington]

Ha! Thank you. I have a wax on wax off joke coming in my next video.

[@chuckpitts2464]

Mike, I’ve been following you for two years and you continue to amaze me with your commitment to diversify your talent by taking on such a difficult task to restore a fabulous vintage tool! Love all your content, Chuck

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you Chuck. That really is what I'm after, progressively taking on a greater challenge. Thats the fun part of this industry.

[@jonathanstofenmacher4918]

Thank you Mike for sharing another great video.

[@MikeFarrington]

My pleasure.

[@FrancisoDoncona]

One of the benefits of videos for yourself is to aid in reassembly, you know order of operations so you don’t need to undo what you have done.

[@Sewcialitecrew]

Love when you do this restoration tool builds! Thanks for sharing

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you.

[@matthewclemente420]

Nice find. thats a solid piece of equipment . Thats a great addition to your shop and all your other classic pieces of equipment. Thanks Mike

[@MikeFarrington]

Thanks 👍

[@davidmontgomery1016]

I agree with what you said about well built tools, they are fun to use. I also like to bring old tools back to working order so I can use them. For half a second at 2:45 I thought you were also working on another machine that was twice as big as the first one then I realized that was the shop apprentice. Nice piece of kit for your shop. I'm jealous. 😉

[@MikeFarrington]

Ha! He is getting big for sure.

[@kcbowls300]

Great video Mike..... I love old skool JP!!!

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you. Its the best!

[@Monuments_to_Good_Intentions]

Ive had a few of these go through my garage. These are pretty nice.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you. They are pretty nice, not the best, but for a 1 man shop like mine, it'll do nicely.

[@TaylorHubbell]

You're a scavenger! Id love to become as affluent with the internet to sort out how you seek and find these gems.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you. It does take a lot of time.

[@beez7005]

I agree with you in that restore these tools to put them into use! Great work 👍🏼

[@MikeFarrington]

Yes! Thank you!

[@tarz9386]

I did the same with my delta floor mod drill press. good job

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you. Good stuff.

[@mark_loveless]

Last time I saw one of these things was in my jr. high shop class. Yes, the lyrics to Electric Eye are quite relevant to today! And JP is obviously the influence to my car's name - Judas Prius.

[@MikeFarrington]

Ha! Judas Prius, that makes me want to get a Prius. This may be the best comment ever made on KZbin.

[@jerrystark3587]

Awesome machine. I am SOOO jealous. Sweet restoration of a truly great machine. I know it will serve both you and the Shop Apprentice well. Thanks!

[@MikeFarrington]

Thanks Jerry.

[@cvcolomb]

Holy smokes the shop apprentice got big when I wasn't looking!

[@MikeFarrington]

He sure is.

[@Sgt_Kilborn]

You should make a playlist of all the tool restorations on your channel. Its all top shelf quality stuff

[@MikeFarrington]

That is a really good idea. Thank you.

[@davidfusick782]

Beautiful machine! Great work 👏

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you very much!

[@kyleg3588]

The shop apprentice is getting so big!

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you. He sure is.

[@DuricCustomWoodwork]

Well I think its time for new shop tour video. You have added some new big toys and upgrade.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you. I am going to jump into a few shop upgrade project after the holidays, I was planning on including a little about the shop in those videos.

[@duckboatsdotnet]

I had to laugh when the spring tensioner went in for the umpteenth time. I restored the same machine and it was an exercise in trial and error to get the head travel dialed in. My clamp was MIA so I ended up retrofitting a pneumatic clamp, but still wish I had the original. It is a very good design. Nice work on your Model 400!

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you. Its a great machine for sure. Most of these rebuilds have some level of trial and error as well as backtracking, at least for me.

[@simonlunt353]

Great mortise Machine we have one in are workshop and it’s big but we have to pull a big long handed to put the mortise chisel into the wood and after you have done you know you have done a good days work 🤣🥵as a joiner I still like to use these old machines thanks for your video 👏👏👍

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you. Old tools are cool.

[@ptj6412]

I always love your tool restoration videos. thanks for sharing

[@MikeFarrington]

Glad you like them!

[@joshsternadel7380]

I do love a good restoration. Like you I have no qualms with doing a resto-mod to make the tool function better. Although I do have a tendency to get carried away with making them look pretty.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you.

[@NathanVogt]

What a great little project. Very sad to hear it came out of a school shop that was closing.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you. Indeed.

[@mandyleeson1]

Great restoration and modifications 👍🏽The shop apprentice is getting so big!

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you, he sure is.

[@lwoodt1]

You cant go wrong with Powermatic green machines.

[@MikeFarrington]

I concur.

[@tylerstephens8542]

Love it! For me the most intimidating part of getting and restoring old tools is finding items worth the time.

[@MikeFarrington]

I'm with ya. I've bought some bad ones, but even with those, I learn something.

[@normanbott]

Nice job. The older tools have a simplicity of design which leads to more mass and smoother running. No obsession with material saving. I do hope this device will not displace The Mighty Biscuit Jointer in your list of favourites. 😉 Those cones - I always wondered how the chisels got sharpened.

[@bob_frazier]

They were among the first pieces taken out of the shop by students with a grudge.

[@MikeFarrington]

I totally agree.

[@_Turbocat777]

can't wait to see this being used in future projects. looks great.

[@MikeFarrington]

You and me both.

[@gregmize01]

Those shot morphs are freakin' me out man😳

[@MikeFarrington]

Ha! Sorry about that.

[@GearheadDaily]

Good to see you back. :)

[@MikeFarrington]

Hey, thanks!

[@makethepart]

I prefer bubble gum grease, great rebuild Mike!

[@MikeFarrington]

Ha! Thank you Cory. I've got some CNC stuff in the works! Finally.

[@prototype3a]

Precision ground flat stones are a fantastic tool to have in your toybox for fixing up older machines like this. They're fantastic for basically any machined or ground surface as they will only improve the surface finish while removing burrs or dings or whatever where your file is more likely to cut into the "base" part.

[@prototype3a]

I would be tempted to replace that set screw that secures the chisel with a Kipp handle.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you. I have been shopping for a stone, just haven't picked one up. The Kipp Handle is a great idea, thank you.

[@prototype3a]

@@MikeFarrington I got my pair from 26acremaker (Lance Baltzey).

[@MikeFarrington]

@@prototype3a Thank you. Good info.

[@JOHNJDEG420]

Definitely, the older tools have it over the new stuff

[@MikeFarrington]

Agreed.

[@warpspeed9877]

How i would wish for you to sandblast and paint in the same color all the beautiful machinery that you have gathered. It would make the shop look so much more tidy and "professional"...

[@MikeFarrington]

I agree, but I could never justify the time.

[@jonnydoe85]

Wow what a great find! I'd love to have one of those.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you.

[@mchilly]

Great video and great dad!

[@MikeFarrington]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@bradmason7940]

Great video! Keep ‘em coming!

[@MikeFarrington]

Thanks! Will do!

[@mhorlor]

I’ll admit, I was hoping for a bit more of a refurb, but the patina of the ages is also something to be relished

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you. Yeah, this one didn't seem far enough gone to necessitate painting.

[@hkimsey]

Great restoration video!

[@robertward553]

What a beauty.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you.

[@What_Other_Hobbies]

The foot powered actuation is great. You can still use both hands on wheels or hold downs while cutting down. Also the vertical clearance is fantastic. Love the big hand wheel. VFD and work light are great addition to it. Pinion is usually the smaller one when gears mesh together. On rack and pinion, that pinion is way smaller than the rack, which is a gear with infinity radius. On watches, it’s under 20 teeth, but this may not be accurate. The term you were looking for, I think, is bevel gear.

[@Darrell_Coquillette]

Great job Mike. That's a nice addition to your shop. I'm looking for one for mine. Thank you for the video.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thanks 👍

[@jerrym1240]

Keep an eye out for those school shop sales. Some places have a rule, every 10 yrs it gets replaced.

[@MikeFarrington]

Thank you. Good tip.