I just received a Delta 14-651 Mortiser and I am wondering about the setup
of the auger bit to the chisel housing. The manual indicates that bit
extend past the sharp portion of the chisel anywhere from 1/16" to 3/16"
"depending on the type of wood" one is working with. If one is working with
a softer wood does the bit extend more or less and the reciprocal then hold
true for harder wood? Or does this distance vary according to the
properties of individual woods (e.g. does cherry behave differently than
soft maple?).

In just playing with the machine for short time, it also seems that its
efficiency is directly related to how well the auger bits pull up the chips
and expels them from the chisel housing. The chips seem to have a tendency
to really jam up everything. Is there anything (waxes or whatever) that
could be applied to the auger that might move the chips better. I suspect
that one could also goof up the glue joint if it were contaminated with wax
or a lubricant.

Thanks in advance for your responses.

TEF