Newest tool acquisition

[DaveO]

Well I spent my B-day money on a new mortiser. Thanks to everyone for the advice on which to one to get. I wish I could have taken some of y'alls advice and got the PM or General, but the finances couldn't handle it. So I decided on the Delta 14-651, and from my first impressions of it I am glad I did.

Set up was rather easy, but I would have liked about 3 hands when it came to squaring the bit to the fence. I was surprised at how much effort it took just to move the head up and down, before it was going into the wood. So I have 2 questions for y'all, especially the first for folks that have this mortiser. First should it be that stiff to move the head???
Second, what is the optimum mortise/tenon width for 3/4" stock, like say an apron to a table leg joint?
Dave

 

[erasmussen]

I was always taught m/t width should be 1/3 stock width:eusa_thin
And YOU SUCK

 

[Phillip]

daveo, looks good. i think the action will get a little smoother fairly quickly. as a general rule tenon thickness should be 1/3 of the thickness of the mortised piece. this only works for joining same size stock of course. for an apron to leg i would probably use a 1/2" tenon on 3/4" stock. it will be interesting to hear what other people use.

phillip

 

[ChrisC]

Dave that's a nice machine.

To answer you questions....

1. Here is part of my reply from your previos post:

The woodworking shop that I apprenticed at, had an old foot operated Crescent, and I must say that will spoil you. The one thing to keep in mind about a benchtop model, is that it takes more effort using your arm, rather than your leg. I have also used a hydraulic operated morticer, but nothing beats the "ole Crescent".

2. I would use a 3/8" tenon on 3/4" stock. MOST of the time your tenon is half the thickness of your stock.

 

[lwhughes149]

That looks sweet. Now you need a new project. Can't help you as to how it works. I have one that attaches to my drill press but I have'nt attempted a project that would call for this tool. :cry: Enjoy.

 

[Steve D]

1. 3/8 2. you suck! 3. put a cheater bar on it to extend the arm for additional leverage.

 

[WoodWrangler]

Nice purchase! From what I can tell the right thing to say in this forum is YOU SUCK! So there you have it!

 

[Monty]

1. You suck
2. 3/8"
3. Put some oil on it!!!!

:mrgreen:

 

[Canuck]

Great score DaveO. Now. It would appear that any jointery method you pick is fair game! (DT, BJ, MT etc etc)

Now..... I am anxiously awaiting a oeek at your next creation with great mortise work.

Wayne

 

[DaveO]

Another question I meant to ask earlier is about the riser block that is included. Is that something that I should install and always have in place or just use it for those time that I am working with thicker stock. Right now without it installed the machine will only do thru mortises with a scrap backer board in place (as it it should), I am thinking that adding the riser block will not be needed for most normal mortising jobs, and I should save it for those special occasions. I probably have answered my own question, but maybe there are those with more experience with the machine who think otherwise.
Dave

 

[D L Ames]

Yahoo......isn't B-day money great?:lol: Nice score on the new mortiser Dave. It sounds like that load of wood your buddy is brining this weekend is arriving just in time. Any thoughts on your next project? Oh yeah.......YOU SUCK!

D L

 

[Wilmingtonian]

Nice new toy! YOU SUCK!

 

[4yanks]

Nice tool. I like a 5/16" tenon in 3/4" stock. However, I often make it 1/4" if I'm using it for stiles & rails in raised panel doors.

 

[michaelgarner]

two words for you SAAAAA-WEEEET,,i think a mortiser is going to be my next purchase. ohhya bro,,you SUCK,,in the nicest way of saying it.

 

[Monty]

I didn't know it came with a riser block... nice! To answer your question, just figure out how much vertical capacity it has as is - in other words how big of a piece of wood can you fit in there? I'll bet it can handle probably 4" stock without a riser, and you'll probably not need the riser (test with your biggest chisel in there). The riser will make it taller and harder to put away under the counter, if that's your plan.

BTW I was serious about the oil. A little dab of 3-in-1 did wonders for my Craftsman HCM.

 

[JohnsonMBrandon]

I've been eyeing these for a while too. I am sure you will enjoy the mortiser. I hope to pick one up down the road.

 

[RandyJ]

Nice tool gloat Dave0....you suck! I'm certainly no expert, but I would think the riser decision should be based on how hard the change-over/alignment would be each time. If it's a PITA, I'd probably leave the riser on. My .02
Take care,
Randy

 

[jwallwork]

I bought one in December for a Bookshelf project (16 mortises).

1. The lever arm, bit height mechanism will loosen up with use. After the practice mortises and the bookshelf mortises it's fairly smooth but stays in place when the bit/Chisel is lifted up out of the mortise.

2. I used a 1/3 ratio for the tenon size, but would adjust based on intended use of the piece (weight bearing vs. non-weight), size of the wood pieces and the strength of the wood.

3. I haven't installed the extensition kit. Right now none of the projects on the horizon are looking like it would be used. I am keeping the parts bagged and stored with the mortiser in case I need to install it.

One thing to note is the bits aren't the greatest that come with it. I took a slipstone and did some sharpening to try to improve them. I also flattened the faces of the chisel and sharpened the inside with diamond conical sharpening stones from klingspor(??) in Winston.

 

[wapitiscat]

If you really want to get into it (m/t dimensions that is) ...

http://www.woodworking-magazine.com/blog/Tenons+Rule+So+Here+Are+The+Rules+On+Tenons.aspx

Todd

 

[D L Ames]

If you really want to get into it (m/t dimensions that is) ...

http://www.woodworking-magazine.com/blog/Tenons+Rule+So+Here+Are+The+Rules+On+Tenons.aspx

Todd

Thanks for that great link Todd. I found that one to be very informative and definitely a keeper.

D L