Delta Mortise machine

[Gene Howe]

I searched my soul, did a whole lot of online research, scratched my head, consulted with the war dept., and finally pulled the trigger on the Delta 14-651 mortiser and the diamond sharpening kit.
The mortiser arrived yesterday and I uncrated it today. Have yet to assemble it, but it looks like a snap. The sharpening kit hasn't got here yet. When it does, I'll sharpen the chisels and try it out on some white oak or maple. Then I'll post first impressions of the operational aspects.

[paulrussell]

Very nice! I look forward to seeing the results.

[JPG]

I think(with the anticipated project you mentioned)that your soul did the right thing. My limited experience using the SS was less than satisfying. Sure it got it done, but between the inadequately sharpened chisels and table(Goldie) flex accuracy was compromised. JMHO

I did not get a 'sharpener' with my SS version which was a mistake!! Glad to see you did not do the same!

[forrestb]

I got a Delta Mortising Kit from a friend with health issues and the chisels have a ⅝ inch shank as do the SS chisels.

So I thought to give them a try. I honed the insides with 2 grades of conical stones from Rockler and then tried to hone the outside surfaces. One can only hope that mine are of an ancient set before precise machining came about.

The outside surfaces are actually concave, to the point that I will have to back down to 80 grit to get them level.

The ⅜ chisel part number I am working with is 17-910 which Delta no longer recognizes so, Gene, I hope yours are more easily honed for use.

Forrest

[benush26]

Hi Gene:

May I make two suggestions?

First, since you are planning LOTS of mortices, buy an extra set of bits and chisels of the size you will use the most. It can be very frustrating to stop when the chisels get dull to sharpen them. At the end of the day resharpen all sets and you are ready for the next round. 3/8" cuts 1 1/2" deep we would get 60 inches (enough for about 3 chairs) before we would feel the chisel push back

Last, have a can of wood friendly spray wax or paste wax handy to quickly go over the four faces about every fourth or fifth cut (generally one mortise). Nothing outrageous, just a quick swipe and quick buff. It is amazing how a lubed face can make up for a dulling edge! If the chisel is too warm to touch then that bit/auger is working way too hard (and so are you!)

Enjoy the new toy!!

Be well,
Ben

[Gene Howe]

Hey Ben,
Thank you very much for your suggestions.
I'll order a spare set today and definitely add the waxing to the mix.

[forrestb]

The Delta set that I got may have old chisels since I could not find the 17-910 (⅜ inch) on their website.

In any case, Gene, be very careful when sharpening the chisels. They looked fairly good but when I tried to flatten the outside faces they were all 4 warped. I am now down to 80 grit and here is the result of one face after around 50 strokes: (the black streaks are ink so I could track progress)

Delta 17-910.jpg (368.74 KiB) Viewed 7691 times

Obviously, I have not even come close to the clarity of Dusty's pictures!

Forrest

[Gene Howe]

Thanks for the heads up, Forrest. I'll check the ones today that came with the machine....and the extra set, when it gets here.

[dusty]

Don't strive to match my photo images, Forrest. The pictures that reible posts should be your guide line.

[Gene Howe]

Forrest,
Checked one side of the 1/2" chisel. It's not flat. That's enough for me. They'll all get flattened, now.
I'd have never thought to check them if not for your post. Thanks again, friend.