Mortising machine tips

[Darren Wright]

I bought the mortiser that Sayer was selling a few weeks ago. Using my FILs mortiser of the same design was always a chore to make cuts with, and the bit screeched as the machine was running. Well, found that reading the manual helps.

Having the bit 1/16” to 3/16” below the chisel makes a world of difference in the ease of cutting and eliminated the screeching noise.


The other thing was a mention of the extra 3 holes where the mortiser mounts to the base, they are for reversing the base and having more clearance for larger material.

 

[Brent Dowell]

found that reading the manual helps.

I hate it when that happens.

 

[Brent Dowell]

On my machine, I would put a penny between the chisel and the machine, raise the bit and chisel up, tighten the bit, then remove the penny and put the chisel up against the machine and tighten that.

Not sure if that makes sense, but I'm sure I read it somewhere.

 

[Robert Horky]

I use a dime as the shim. A little thinner than the penny.

 

[Jim DeLaney]

On my machine, I would put a penny between the chisel and the machine, raise the bit and chisel up, tighten the bit, then remove the penny and put the chisel up against the machine and tighten that.

Not sure if that makes sense, but I'm sure I read it somewhere.

That's what I did with mine, too.
Btw, if you're using the 1/4" bit, set it a little bit closer, and take a slower cut. The flutes on that small bit are pretty thin, and the bit breaks easily. DAMHIKT!