Popular Woodworking 2006-10 № 157, страница 9

Tricks of the Trade

Compiled by Paul Anthony Illustrations by Matt Bantly

Adjusting a

Hollow-chisel

Mortiser

THE WINNER:

When installing a square chisel in a hollow-chisel mortiser, it's critical that the chisel is square to the fence; otherwise the joint fit can be compromised. However, this alignment can be troublesome to perform because the narrow face of the chisel doesn't provide much of a reference face against which to set the fence. Here's a way to do the job quickly and accurately.

After adjusting the chisel approximately square to the fence, place a 6"-steel rule or other small ferrous metal straightedge against the rear face of the chisel. On the front face of the chisel, place enough rare earth magnets to hold the straightedge in place. Place a piece of thicknessed stock against the mortiser fence, and adjust the fence so the stock is nearly touching the straightedge. Now rotate the chisel until the straightedge is parallel to the stock. The wood stock simply serves as a buffer against the transferred magnetism that would otherwise pull the steel straightedge against the mortiser's metal fence.

Thomas Wilson Piscataway, New Jersey

Reference board dressed to

square to fence

Top view

CASH AND PRIZES FOR YOUR TRICKS AND TIPS!

Each issue we publish tips from our readers. Next issue's winner receives a Veritas Mk. II power sharpening system. The combination of interchangeable abrasive discs and a tool rest make sharpening hand tools simple.

Runners-up each receive a check for $25 to $100. When submitting a trick (either by mail or e-mail) you must include your complete mailing address and a daytime phone number. If your trick is selected for publication, an editor will need to contact you. All entries become the property of Popular Woodworking. You can send your trick by e-mail to popwoodtricks@fwpubs.com, or mail it to Tricks of the Trade, Popular Woodworking, 4700 E. Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236.

oemtas Tools inc.

Acetone Eraser

I'm often penciling gauge marks of some sort on my machine fences and tables. For example, when cutting stopped grooves or mortises on my router table, I simply draw a line on the fence to note the starting and stopping points. After a while, of course, the ledger of lines needs to be removed or you risk cutting to the wrong one. I've found that the best way to get rid of the marks is with a quick swipe of acetone on a rag, which removes graphite in an instant and does a much cleaner job than a pencil eraser. It evaporates almost instantly and won't harm surface s, including bare wood.

Nancy Werteen Biloxi, Mississippi

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Popular Woodworking October 2006