Double mortise cutter and method of using same

A mortising machine comprising a frame having upstream and downstream ends, a pair of radially symmetrical vertically movable supports, means on the frame for guiding the supports, each support carrying a dado head mounted on a horizontal axle, a feed table upstream of the frame and having means for guiding a grooved log on a path parallel to the axles of both dado heads, a delivery table downstream of the frame and having means for guiding a grooved log in the same line as the feed table, a first vertically movable log engaging stop located downstream of the paths of both dado heads in the direction of movement of a log from the feed table to the delivery table, a second vertically movable log engaging stop located between the feed table guide means and the paths of both dado heads, independently operable means for moving either stop into and out of log holding position, and independently operable means for moving either dado head support into and out of operative position, the cutting face of each dado head being guided on a path corresponding substantially to a vertical plane through the center line of the log and said dado heads being disposed on opposite sides of said plane.