Powermatic Mortiser Setup Tips?

[Keegan Shields]

Just picked up a Powermatic 719T mortiser off Craigslist for a sweet deal. Any tips on tuning this up? Essential adjustments?

I've not used a hollow chisel mortiser before but it came with a nice set of Schmidt chisels and I've read up on the required protrusion of the bit past the chisel.


mortiser 2.jpg

[William Chain]

Just sharpen your chisels very well, and make sure the bit spacing is good when chucking (I use a rare earth magnet between chisel and collar to hold the chisel in the collar while tightening the chuck - this holds the assembly and gives a good bit to chisel gap when you raise up the chisel). These machines are pretty simple.

[Keegan Shields]

Great tip thanks! I'll give the magnet a try.

[Charles Coolidge]

I scored the same model off craigslist a couple weeks ago. I went with the 4 swivel wheel version of the mobile base you are using. I replaced some of the socket head bolts with hex head. These machines (I owned a ShopFox prior) are mostly about the quality of the chisels.