Multico morticer.

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Jameshow

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Thinking of picking up a morticer for £150 - £200.

Is that a good price?

Are there any issues with them.
 
If that's the small benchtop model I can vouch for it. It's a good solid machine, plenty of power and very quiet. It lasted until I got a Domino and now I just use it as a drill press. You can change the chuck to take 1/2" bits no problem. £200 is probably the upper end for a small machine.
 
Model K? Heavy machine, and very good. I got mine for £150 a few years ago, 3ph run on an inverter drive:
IMG_0003.jpeg

Mine doesn’t have a Jacob’s chuck, it has collets for each size of auger bit. A bit fiddly to set up, but then much faster than by hand, to say the least.

Parts available from Multico France, [email protected].
 
Model K? Heavy machine, and very good. I got mine for £150 a few years ago, 3ph run on an inverter drive:
View attachment 160294

Mine doesn’t have a Jacob’s chuck, it has collets for each size of auger bit. A bit fiddly to set up, but then much faster than by hand, to say the least.

Parts available from Multico France, [email protected].
That's the one!
 
Axi do the conical sharpeners.

Here’s mine on a test cut after sharpening, chomping a 1/4” mortice into splitty, knotty larch. Imagine doing that by hand.

IMG_0538.jpeg

@Jameshow you know how to use one, do you?
- Set the chisel just clear of the auger. Opening should point sideways, not front/back as in the picture.

- Chop one end, then the other, then make cuts spaced just under the width of the chisel. The clear the missed bits. The idea is to have the chisel cutting on all four sides as much as possible, to prevent deflection.

- The rear fence of the machine joins the bed at a radius, which can cause rocking if the workpiece has a sharp, square edge.
 
The idea is to have the chisel cutting on all four sides as much as possible, to prevent deflection.
No, the idea is to cut on 3 sides so that shavings can escape from the opening on the 4th side. It is very easy to clog the chisel with shavings causing overheating and splitting of the chisel. Be careful on the first cut and lift the chisel a few times to allow shavings to escape. If you suspect the chisel is deflecting take smaller cuts.
Brian
 
No, the idea is to cut on 3 sides so that shavings can escape from the opening on the 4th side. It is very easy to clog the chisel with shavings causing overheating and splitting of the chisel. Be careful on the first cut and lift the chisel a few times to allow shavings to escape. If you suspect the chisel is deflecting take smaller cuts.
Brian

Yes, you normally see the opening in the front of the chisel but all the old boys have the opening to the left or right to let the chips clear quicker.

Some great advice on set up and use here.

https://www.thewoodhaven2.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=5038&p=76979&hilit=mortiser+set+up#p76979
 
More than one way to skin…etc but the technique is from Feirer, Cabinetmaking and Millwork, Glencoe, First pub. 1982.

image.jpg


I’d certainly stand firm on defining each end of the mortice first, otherwise you get tapered sides to it. How you hog out the middle is probably a matter of personal preference. I find the smaller chisels do deflect if made to cut on three sides, which I don’t like.
 
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IMG-20230605-WA0008.jpeg


First attempt 1/2 chisel.

2 rows I don't have a larger chisel but as my tenons are 1" fits just right.
 
More than one way to skin…etc but the technique is from Feirer, Cabinetmaking and Millwork, Glencoe, First pub. 1982.

View attachment 160358


I’d certainly stand firm on defining each end of the mortice first, otherwise you get tapered sides to it. How you hog out the middle is probably a matter of personal preference. I find the smaller chisels do deflect if made to cut on three sides, which I don’t like.
I agree with opening to one side and I always cut each end first then hog out the middle using the technique you described, keeping the chisel cutting on 4 sides or just front and back but never on 3 sides to avoid deflection.
I guess with deeper or through mortices, the three-sided hogging technique might be better but I have never had an issue with chip clearance.
As for set up, I fix the chisel with a small gap so it isn’t fully home. Set the drill bit so it touches the chisel then push the chisel fully home creating a gap between the chisel and drill bit.
IIRC, the drill should be level with the chisel tips.
I also found the hard way that it is a good idea to wear gloves during the setup as it is easy to stab yourself on the chisel which is (should be?) very sharp.
 
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