Replies

1. 
   nazard | Jun 07, 2008 10:01am | #1

   No.  The position of the chisel is up to you.

   -nazard

2. 
   philip | Jun 07, 2008 11:01am | #2

   I agree- the opening should be towards the operator so that chips are not dumped in the hole and re-cut when you traverse to clean it up. Typically when digging a mortice one cuts the extreme left then one goes to the extreme right hand side, then cleans up in between. Also , if the opening faces the operator then it is better for seeing what the augur is doing- choking, burning etc.

   Philip Marcou
3. 
   wiskytango | Jun 07, 2008 04:59pm | #3

   Thanks guys, it seemed to make more sense having it face the user.

1. 
   gregjones | Jun 07, 2008 06:09pm | #4

   The idea behind having the opening face left, and then cut L>R or facing right and cutting R>L is that the chips will clear the chisel faster if they don't have to travel to the top edge of the board to clear. Mortiser chisels and bits generate a lot of heat, and the fewer the chips trapped in the chisel, the cooler the bit will be, especially in denser stock.

2. 
   nazard | Jun 07, 2008 07:16pm | #5

   Wisky,

   In my previous post, I neglected to mention that I rigged up a shop-vac attachment at my mortiser to keep everything clean.  The chips are pulled clear of the bit and I would assume that this reduces heat and the chances of the bit jamming.  For sure it makes it easier to see what you are doing. 

   Best!

   -nazard

4. 
   sfmc | Jun 08, 2008 03:01am | #6

   How long did you have to wait to get your mortiser? I ordered one from  Woodcraft on March 22 and just got a notice from them that the shipping date has been knocked back to JUNE 13TH. Every time it gets close to the shipping date it gets knocked back another 7 to 10 days. I am getting ready to tell them to cancel the order and ordering the Powermatic unit.

    

   We get to soon oldt und to late schmart

1. 
   wiskytango | Jun 08, 2008 04:52am | #7

   sfmc
   Umm 4 days sorry, I ordered it Last Monday and it showed up on friday, even with the cheep 7 dollar shipping that i chose. I got it from http://www.toolking.com/ for what its worth i wouldn't order a turd from woodcraft, seems everything they sell is marked up higher than the rest of the world has it for sale at.