How do you set up your morticer?

[Digizz]

I've now cut a load of Mortices successfully on the 3/4 fox morticer after a lot of strife! I found a combination of very small 'nibbles' quite successful. I also set the bit much further out from the chisel than a lot of instructions I've read (like in the Axminster catalogue).

So I was wondering - how far from the chisel do you set your bits (2mm - 4mm ??).

 

[Aragorn]

Ahh the good old days of morticers.... Pre-Leigh FMT <vroom> I set the bit around 4mm from the chisel for most woods.

 

[Noel]

A two pence piece, the thickness of, minimum. Depending on your chisel and bit maybe a little more, but try experimenting.

Noel

 

[Guest]

As above. I also now use a Trend router depth gauge to set the fence both for depth and square, saves me a lot of time.

 

[Charley]

I use a two pence piece as well or just do it by eye if I haven't got any in my pocket which is most times.

There's a guide here, http://www.recordpower-usa.com/seting%2 ... chisel.htm

 

[Digizz]

I asked this initially as I also used the 2p trick - but in Maple it just didn't hack it as it kept jamming and burning (even with the lightest pressure and carefull handling). I found I had to set it 2-3x the 2p setting. I guess the density and hardness of the wood has a direct bearing on this?

 

[Digizz]

Ah that's interesting Charley - he recommends a £1 coin for the Japanese style bit as I have - only trouble is I don't have any £1 coins - spent them all on the workshop !!!