I have just received my new Powermatic benchtop mortiser. It looks awesome in my shop. I set it up and tested some cuts. Its pretty cool. I got the chisel/auger from woodcraft for $17. This particular piece is not great quality. I can’t remember the brand but it is made in China and it howls….seriously, consider this a review for the woodcraft hollow chisels….they are less than expected quality. I have used other mortisers and they are a bit loud at times but this one chisel just screams as the friction is too much. Probably machined out of spec.
So here is the question…can someone recommend a good source or a good brand of hollow chisel bits?
thanks guys
5 comments so far
Peter Oxley
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1426 posts in 4675 days
#1 posted 03-20-2010 04:22 AM
The bit shouldn’t be tight in the chisel. When setting it up, push the bit up until it comes in contact with the chisel and then let it back out about 1/16”. This might solve your problem.
General chisels seem pretty nice. I’ve hardly used mine, but they seem to do the trick.
-- http://www.peteroxley.com/woodworking -- http://north40studios.etsy.com --
jcsterling
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476 posts in 4385 days
#2 posted 03-20-2010 04:25 AM
I have been using Fisch bits. Hold an edge well good chip clearing.
-- John , Central PA , www.jcsterling.com on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/JC-Sterling-fine-furniture/104430802928776
Chelios
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568 posts in 3866 days
#3 posted 03-20-2010 04:35 AM
Peter
Thanks, I did try it 2-3 times to see if it would resolve it but it didn’t do the trick.
John and Peter thanks for your advice on bit brands.
longgone
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5688 posts in 4109 days
#4 posted 03-20-2010 06:05 AM
I have the same powermatic mortiser for 2+ years now and I like it very much. Here is a link that will give you some good info for fine tuning and setting it up.
http://www.newwoodworker.com/setupmort.html
jerryz
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164 posts in 4079 days
#5 posted 03-20-2010 07:21 AM
Don’t trust that the chisels that you bought are sharp, many a times when the mortiser is strugling is due to not so sharp chisels.
Get yourself the sharpening tool for hollow chisels it is not that expensive.
Also if the bit is too tight inside the hollow chisel maybe they gave you the wrong bit? If the bit is the correct size then I would return the hollow chisel and get a replacement. I doubt Woodcraft will not make it right for you.
Have fun with your new toy….
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