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Posted to rec.woodworking
Joe Tylicki
 
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Default Mortising Machine Questions

Just purchased the Powermatic 701 Benchtop Mortiser along with a Delta 1/2"
Austrian made chisel/bit set. Had a few issues testing it out and I wanted
to see what was normal as well as some recommendations.

1.) How much noise should you hear from the bit inside the chisel when
you first power the machine up? I put in the chuck extension and I can
still only grab a small portion of the drill bit with the chuck and I'm
worried I might have runnout because of it, creating the noise inside the
chisel. It's not a loud noise but up to the point the bit hits the wood
there is a bit of screeching. When it contacts the wood that stops.

2.) How tight should the chisel fit into the bushing on the machine? I
had to use a block of wood and a hammer to get it on. I'll probably need a
wood dowel and a hammer to get it off.

3.) How hard can you safely bear down when drilling? To get the first
hole into rock maple (my first test in cedar wasn't so bad) required quite a
bit of force.

4.) How much should I try to take off with subsequent holes? Is there a
rule of thumb, such as half the width of the chisel or two thirds?

5.) What are the most useful sizes of chisels? I started with the 1/2".
They had a lot of 5/16" in stock and some 1/4". I realize it depends what
type of woodworking you do, but I'd still like to know whats most popular.

6.) What brands of chisel/bits do you recommend? I've read the Austrian
bits are worth the extra money, but maybe only if you use them a lot.
Also, where do you recommend purchasing them?

TIA
Joe