Ask the Expert
IF YOU HAVE A PRODUCT RELATED QUESTION, PLEASE USE OUR CONTACT US FORM FOR AN IMMEDIATE RESPONSE. THIS SECTION IS RESERVED FOR GENERAL WOODWORKING RELATED QUESTIONS.
Michael Van Pelt is the founder of American Sycamore Woodworker’s Retreat. He has a reputation as the tool guru. Mike has been in woodworking for over thirty years. His knowledge of tools comes from his many years of intertwining experience in the woodworking industry. Mike’s experiences include being active as an Industrial Arts Teacher, professional instructor of power machinery and tool techniques, tool sales, management and owner of woodworking tool retail store, Delta Machinery representative and technical advisory.
If you have a question for Michael, choose the Submit Question button to the right by November 30th. We will send you a reply with Mike's response in mid-December and then post it to this page for other members to view. You never know...someone else may have the same question
IF YOU HAVE A PRODUCT RELATED QUESTION, PLEASE USE OUR CONTACT US FORM FOR AN IMMEDIATE RESPONSE. THIS SECTION IS RESERVED FOR GENERAL WOODWORKING RELATED QUESTIONS.
Listed below are questions and answers that have already been submitted.
Questions
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6/27/2008
Mortise
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q. |
I have purchased a mortise kit for my drill. You talk about sharpening the tools even before using them the first time. With curves and such how do you sharpen them. |
| A. |
I just use a red grit diamond stone (600 mesh) with water to sharpen the chisel flats and a diamond burr on a moto tool like Dremel to do the drill bit on the flats of the bevel behind the cutting edge. This just might be one of the jobs that I would recommend sending out to the sharpening shop. They have special tools that guarantee the results. Same story for brad points and forstner bits too. |
[ Back To Main ]
2/18/2008
Mortising
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
| Q. |
I
recently purchased a Model 17-935 mortising attachment, set it up and it worked
perfectly. I still have to get the hang of it; however, the test piece of pine
worked well. My project will be in oak. The test piece of oak, of course, took
much more pressure to operate the chisel bit. I didn't want to break it, so I
stopped and thought I could use an expert opinion. Will it work on oak? |
| A. |
Yes
the 17-935 will work fine in oak. You
will need to hone and sharpen your bit and chisels first. |
[ Back To Main ]
2/18/2008
Mortiser Set-Up
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
| Q. |
I
just bought dedicated mortiser, and my first results are a little
disappointing. Can you help with any set-up and use suggestions? |
| A. |
We
have five bench top machines and a large industrial floor mortiser here at the
school. I have found that proper set up
paramount in receiving good results.
First of all even new bits and chisels must be sharpened and honed. The correct bit spacing and clearance is
critical. It is also important that the
chisel is square to the fence. Take your
time….read your owners manual…..follow the instructions….and you are on your
way to cutting perfect mortises. |
[ Back To Main ]
2/15/2008
Mortising Machine
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q. |
Can
you please give me an idea of how a mortising machine works? I am contemplating
in purchasing one. |
| A. |
Mortising
machines are worth their weight in gold. The mortise is cut with a drill bit
that is inside of a hollow chisel cutter. The cutting edge of the drill bit
must be 1/8” lower than the cutting edge of the chisel for the cut to work
properly. This gives the chisel something to cut away. I like to use Dri – Cote, a Teflon spray, to help keep the cutter lubricated
for best results. |
[ Back To Main ]
6/29/2007
Mortising
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q: |
I
am a novice. I want to build my son a simple twin bed. I want to mortise
the end boards to the legs. Is there any easy way to learn how to make mortise
joints? |
| A: |
I
strongly recommend the mortising machine for all mortise work. They have
different sizes of chisel bit sets. My favorite is the 3/8” set. The key is to
lower the bit down 1/8” beyond the cutting edge of the chisel. This gives the
chisel some where to go. |
[ Back To Main ]
6/25/2007
Proper Cutting Method on Mortiser
Answer provided by Scott Phillips
| Q: |
I recently purchased a Mortiser tool
and have not had much luck in making a clean slot cut. I have to file these
slots to get them smooth and straight. It sometimes splinters the back edge of
the wood. Could you explain the proper cutting method to me ? I guess I am doing
something wrong. |
| A: |
This should be a simple
fix. Just lower the drill bit in the hollow chisel down 1/8th of an inch. So
there must be a slight gap between the cutting edge of hollow chisel and the
seated drill bit. By doing this you give the chisel somewhere to
chisel.
You must make certain the chisel is square to the fence. One easy
way is to mount the chisel in the chuck assembly and adjust the fence forward
until it touches the chisel. Square it. You should be home free. Naturally the
machine is unplugged anytime you touch the chisel and bit. Work
safely. |
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