I much prefer hand tools, gouge, chisels and scrapers. Just remember the faster something cuts the faster it can make mistakes.......DJ

I am curious as to the different methods employed to cut the major mortises for the magazine box and the action for those of you who craft your stocks directly from the blank after layout,

I would imagine that some use a mill, but for those who do not have a mill, what do you use? Has anyone built some sort of custom unit using a plunge router or a dedicated mortising machine?

Or, do you just use a chisel, hammer, and one hell of a lot of Jarrows?

Blue

A chissel works. Lay it in there and give it a wack. Move it slightly and do it again. After very few repeats you will see that you have gone in quite a ways. You are using the previous cut to make chip clearance for the next. It goes quickly. Once you get through you can clean up the walls. This is a case where I find it is better to quit scratching my head and just go to work. But, thn I don't have a mill. : )