Setting Up The Machine - Axminster AW12BM User Manual

Setting up the Machine

Overview
Unlike the traditional morticing machines, which allow the table to move in 2 axis, i.e. side to side
and front to rear, the table of this morticer does not move at all. The workpiece must be moved to
achieve the side to side movement, and the placement of the back fence simulates the front to
rear movement.
Initial Set up
Introduce the chisel into the adaptor collar, press the auger up into the chuck, tighten the chuck
and withdraw the chuck key. Gently pinch the chisel in place by finger tightening the securing
bolt.
Setting the chisel auger clearance
The old rule of thumb for chisel auger clearance was known as "the one penny width". This was
achieved by introducing a penny between the locating shoulder of the chisel and the adaptor
face, with the auger locked in place and with the chisel pulled hard down on the auger. The
penny was then removed and the chisel pushed up to the adaptor face and locked in place, this
established the "one penny width" between the chisel and the auger, which for general timbers
and mortice sizes is quite adequate. Traditional mortisers normally had a cross pin in the auger
mounting mandrel, to prevent the auger being pushed back up into the chisel. The mounting
method on the newer mortisers is a chuck. It is well worth taking the extra time and care to
prepare your augers to give the correct 'reach' when 'bottomed' out in the chuck. This will
prevent the auger being pushed back towards the chisel and altering the clearance setting.
(See fig 6 )
Fig 6
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