I have a Delta 14-650 mortiser with the cheap delta mortising bits. I have read articles about setting up the mortiser, squaring the chisel to the table and fence, proper chisel/bit spacing and sharpening the chisel and bit. I think I have these down pretty well. The problem I have is all of my test cuts, both 1/2″ and 1/4″, show very slight bit gouges on the sides of the mortise at each cut location. It seems almost like there is drill bit runout, the drill bit is not round, or else the chisel and drill bit are not on the same centerline. I also hear a loud squeaking in operation. My expectation was smooth sided mortices as cut by the chisel. That is not what I have. I am concerned, of course, about glue joint strength as woodworking glue does not bridge gaps. Should I reasonably expect smooth sided mortises or are the results I am receiving about standard.
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Replies
cross posted
Your question was also posted in the Joinery section.
You should be getting smooth-sided mortises. The squeeking suggests an alignment issue - either with the auger or the chisel, or both. You'd also want to measure the exact diameter of the auger and compare that to the chisel.
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