Accessories

Lock Face Template
Great Tool. We had (14) custom mortisse locks to install in white oak doors. No room for error. Once set up correctly (took some practice runs in scrap wood), the tool did each lock cut out in minutes. Expensive, yes. It is a great tool if you have a large # of deep mortisse locks to do.

Porter Cable 513
This is a door mortiser and thats all. It's a lot of money to pay for a tool with only one job but there is nothing else in the world that can do the job it does in the everyday world. Set up is a little slow but when all adjustments are complete it seldom runs over 20 seconds and its job is done.The depth adjustment came broke on my first one. Amazon leaned over backwards to get it swapped out and we went on with business.

Costly But Worth It
I have to say that when doing a home full of custom doors with mortised hardware this tool was worth its weight in gold. I found the set up to be a bit frustrating because of finding the tools initial alignment but once it was established it was perfect. The only down side was that the tool has to be used in the vertical position which b/ of its weight makes it a bit awkward. The only problem I had with the tool was after about 3 doors the switch toggle stopped working and I had to unplug it to stop it. I played with the toggle and got it working again, but it was frustrating and potentially dangerous. Overall. I am happy and found it to be a real time saver. I highly recommend the face plate template too.

PC 513 lock mortiser
If you are a finish carpenter, door/hardware installer, or door shop that does a lot of mortise lock prep, this is THE tool! Together with the PC 517 Lock Face Template, this stuff preps wood doors for mortise locks quickly and accurately.

Why only 4 stars?

One: Price; it's pretty spendy. Purchase both tools and you spent something like $.... The occasional mortise lock installer should stay away from this equipment unless you think it might grow into a Specialty Skill.

Two: Adjustability; Adjusting back and forth between different lock configurations can be a hassle until you figure out the learning curve. The markings on the frame for mortise height, and the stop rod for mortise depth, are "not that accurate;" takes a bit of time and practice to figure this thing out.

And this: You spend this much on a fine tool, you sure don't want to lug it around in the cardboard box it came in. Build a nice wood box, a place for everything and everything in it's place. Why PC has the nerve to sell this tool for so much money and not provide a decent storage box, even if it's blow-molded plastic, is a mystery to me. Sign of the times, I guess.