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Re: Hollow Chisel Mortising System Opinions
Posted: Tue Mar 08, 2022 1:42 pm
by JPG
YEP screw standardization is de culprit.
A work around is to use a BUTTON HEAD cap screw(5/32 socket).
Re: Hollow Chisel Mortising System Opinions
Posted: Tue Mar 08, 2022 2:19 pm
by rambo2981
Thank you for the details. I ordered Geoffrey Baker's replacement handles, along with the mortising kit and table support leg. I'll report back when I run some test mortises. Thanks again, all for the responses.
Re: Hollow Chisel Mortising System Opinions
Posted: Tue Mar 08, 2022 3:55 pm
by tcooper27
Anyone have experience with the Lee Valley economy set of hollow chisels? Scott from My Growth Rings said in his mortising Q&A video that he'd be doing a review of them but it's been a year and I don't think that ever came out. Maybe that in itself is an indicator of their performance

Re: Hollow Chisel Mortising System Opinions
Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2022 12:13 pm
by chapmanruss
rambo2981,
If you look at the catalog page for the Mortising System, you will find a link to a PDF version of the "Owner's Manual for Mortising System" you can download and get familiar with prior to your shipment arriving.
For anyone wanting to use the Shopsmith Mortising System you do need to have a Shopsmith 1/2" Drill Chuck. Any version except the original Jacobs 33B on the adapter that came with the first Model 10E tools. The 5/8" Keyless Drill Chuck Shopsmith sells will not work as it is too big and long. Neither will most if not all non-Shopsmith Chuck that can be found on the internet.
Re: Hollow Chisel Mortising System Opinions
Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2022 12:22 pm
by JPG
Mark says "the current shopsmith chuck" is too long and too big to allow the chisel holder to slip over the chuck..
Re: Hollow Chisel Mortising System Opinions
Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2022 2:08 pm
by DLB
JPG wrote: Wed Mar 09, 2022 12:22 pm
Mark says "the current shopsmith chuck" is too long and too big to allow the chisel holder to slip over the chuck..
Oops! Who is Mark, in this context? Pics?
- David
Re: Hollow Chisel Mortising System Opinions
Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2022 2:19 pm
by edma194
Perhaps he means Scott Markwood from the video linked upthread. He says the holder won't fit over the newer chucks.
benmcn wrote: Sun Mar 06, 2022 10:54 pm
For those interested, Scott from My Growth Rings has a video on the hollow chisel mortising system. He does a really good job explaining and demonstrating the use of this tool.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89TwGU8U0Ss
There's work involved to get it set up but once he gets it done he's moving along the wood extending the mortise fairly easily. I don't know many cuts before the chisel needs sharpening again, but I'd think that is pretty much the same with any mortising tool.
Re: Hollow Chisel Mortising System Opinions
Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2022 6:23 pm
by DLB
I watched the video a few months back and didn't remember that. I have a fair quantity of chucks but evidently not the 'right' variety. My collection spans several decades but also skips several. I have a 50's Jacob 3326 and a few chucks from early 90's to early 00's that all seem about the same as each other. My old Jacobs chuck does not fit through either, though it is smaller in length and diameter than the others. All of mine seem compatible with the mortising fixture. If your chuck fits through the hole then you can mount the chuck first, if it doesn't you have to put them on in the right order.
- David
Re: Hollow Chisel Mortising System Opinions
Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2022 7:03 pm
by chapmanruss
The Jacobs Multi-Craft and Cushman Drill Chucks are smaller in diameter and the Mortising attachment can be put on the Quill with those Drill Chucks in place. The old Jacobs 3326 Drill Chucks and the current Shopsmith 1/2" Drill Chuck are larger in diameter so they have to be mounted after the Mortise is attached to the Quill.
Re: Hollow Chisel Mortising System Opinions
Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2022 8:05 pm
by JPG
DLB wrote: Wed Mar 09, 2022 2:08 pm
JPG wrote: Wed Mar 09, 2022 12:22 pm
Mark says "the current shopsmith chuck" is too long and too big to allow the chisel holder to slip over the chuck..
Oops! Who is Mark, in this context? Pics?
- David
OOOPs indeed! SCOTT MARKwood.
