Morticer chisels & bits

[Karl]

Hi all

Just looking for some opinions.

Rutlands have the Fox 5/8" morticer on sale, so I decided it was time to get one. Should be here in the next few days.

Does anybody have any recommendations for replacement chisels & bits - I understand that the ones supplied are normally only good for softwood.

Cheers

Karl

 

[Slim]

Hi Karl,

You need to be aware that the the bush that comes with the Fox is 3/4" and most chisels (certainly Clico and the japanese pattern chisels Axminster sell) will have a 13/16" diameter. A bit of a nuisance really. It's worth checking what you are getting before you fork out any money.

 

[Karl]

Simon

Thanks for that. Perhaps I should have done a bit more homework before ordering

Anyway, I notice that APTC do cheap 3/4" chisels, which (from the price) I presume aren't much cop. They also do a 13/16" - 3/4" adaptor - do you know if this would work????

Cheers

Karl

 

[Slim]

No, the 13/16" - 3/4" reducer is to fit a 13/16" bush allowing 3/4" bits to be used. So not much use for you.

 

[Karl]

Thanks Simon - I didn't hold out much hope, but expected more than a "bush" for £11 !!!!

Cheers

Karl

 

[George_N]

Thanks Simon - I didn't hold out much hope, but expected more than a "bush" for £11 !!!!

Cheers

Karl

The price of 'precision engeneering' :wink:

 

[Slim]

Karl,

Have a look at this thread.

I haven't tried yet, but it may be worth a call to Fox and see if they can send you a 13/16" bush. If they can, the mortice chisel wolrd is your oyster.

 

[Woody Alan]

Karl I bought that model on a previous offer , I am sure the 4 bits I have came with it, maybe they changed the package. When you see the price of clico bits you may decide for how much you are going to use it they are not worth the expense. Add in the cost of a sharpening kit for each chisel and you'll see what I mean
http://www.axminster.co.uk/product.asp? ... e=1&jump=0

as opposed to this kit which will fit all taiwan sizes
http://www.axminster.co.uk/product.asp? ... e=1&jump=0

The bits that come with it are adequate enough for the money. If you are desperate to spend big bucks on the english/jap bits, I am sure that you can get a mate or a small engineering company to turn you up a bush just give them one of the existing bushes for them to get the O/D and whatever clico or jap chisel you want to use for them to make a close I/D fit.

There may be someone on here with a lathe willing to help out.

I think you made a good choice for your money don't worry

Alan

 

[Karl]

Simon - thanks for that.

Alan - interesting. I don't have a great desire to spend cash on Clico bits, but the Japanese models looked quite reasonably priced, and seem to be well regarded. However, as you say, once the sharpening kit is introduced into the equation, it gets significantly more expensive.

Think i'll see how I get on with the standard bits from APTC, then decide.

Cheers

Karl

 

[Slim]

It might be worth having them shipped from the other side of the pond. These are japanese patern and have 5/8" and 3/4" shanks, which is the two bush sizes you have.

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=53252&cat=1,180,42240,53317&ap=1

The also have diamond shapeners at $22.50. As opposed to the traditional, and expensive reamers.

 

[Woody Alan]

It might be worth having them shipped from the other side of the pond. These are japanese patern and have 5/8" and 3/4" shanks, which is the two bush sizes you have.

Simon Now that is a seriously good find, I have ordered from lee valley before just as long as you budget for the VAT and being mugged by the post office. I cannot quite remember they may Fedex to your door now as Fedex has bought out ...I think it's ANC

Alan

 

[Waka]

Karl

I had the same problem when I bought a Fox morticer second hand, all I did was get then bush opened up on a lathe to take the japanese bits, now works a treat. So if you know some with a lathe then your problem are solved, if you don't send it down to me and I'll have the necessary done.

 

[OPJ]

Karl,

Have a look at this thread.

I haven't tried yet, but it may be worth a call to Fox and see if they can send you a 13/16" bush. If they can, the mortice chisel wolrd is your oyster.

Owning the same morticer (mine came with one 3/8" chisel, 3/4" shank), I asked Fox (Hamilton Group) about this some time ago. All they could suggest was that I find someone who could knock one out for me, as they don't have anything like it I can buy.

I've opted for Axminster's Japanese chisels but still haven't got around to using them as I haven't got the bushing sorted yet! The 3/8" chisel which came with the morticer seems to cut okay though.

I'd always advise you to buy the best blade or cutter you can afford - but idoes depend on how often you're going to use it. If you were only after one size however, it may be worth paying that bit extra.

 

[Karl]

Karl

I had the same problem when I bought a Fox morticer second hand, all I did was get then bush opened up on a lathe to take the japanese bits, now works a treat. So if you know some with a lathe then your problem are solved, if you don't send it down to me and I'll have the necessary done.

Waka

Very kind of you - I may just take you up on that offer, as I don't know anybody who could do it.

Cheers

Karl

 

[Philly]

Karl
I'd be happy to machine them for you, too.
Dorset - home of metal lathes....... :roll:
Philly

 

[Woody Alan]

Philly sounds like you could do a small batch... I would be up for one as I do have one Clico bit from a past set up, I would like to be able to use. I would be happy to post a jiffy bag to you with cash paypal etc for return by post to minimise your hassle.

Alan

 

[Karl]

Karl
I'd be happy to machine them for you, too.
Dorset - home of metal lathes....... :roll:
Philly

.......and many other tools besides :lol:

Thanks for that. I'll have a good look into it when the Fox arrives next week.

BTW - been sanding and waxing and polishing, if you know what I mean :wink:

Cheers

Karl

 

[Philly]

Alan
Yes, be happy to do one for you. Just pm me the necessary dimensions and your address.

Karl
The "Big One" is in the post - looking forward to the group shot :wink:
Cheers
Philly

 

[Karl]

Karl
The "Big One" is in the post - looking forward to the group shot :wink:
Cheers
Philly

Double entendre or what !!!!!

Cheers

Karl

 

[woodbloke]

If it's of interest, Pete (Newt) had problems with the el cheapo bits from Axminster and spent some considerable time tuning each one to get them to work far better. I forget for the moment exactly what he did, but I seem to recollect it involved lapping the outside surfaces to make them very slightly tapered and he also did something clever on the inside conical surfaces...might be worth a PM to find out how he did it - Rob