Delta Hollow Chisel Mortiser set up help

[wassaw998]

I just got the Delta Hollow Chisel Mortiser and set it up last night (model # 14-651). I have a few questions:

1) It comes with an "extension block" / height attachment to add height to the unit. If I install that, it seems to me there is then no way to use the "rack and pinion" fence adjustment knob as the gears no longer engage the rack, is that correct ?

2) The unit has a "pneumatic lifter" / Gas-filled head stablizer - is it supposed to lift the head back up from the down position ? Seems to me it does nothing...

3) Setting of bits - I set up the 5/16 chisel and drilled a few mortises into some red oak, I had to really use a lot of force on the handle to get the square hole to drill out. Seemed to be way too much (and no, I am not a 90 lb weakling!)...I've read a lot on gaping the drill bit and all, maybe the gap was not enough ? Or, maybe these units require a lot of force ?

Thanks.

[LCHIEN]

The gas lifter mostly counterbalances the head. If it weren't for the lifter you would have to hold the head up.

It does take a lot of force to cut the square hole because the drill auger only cuts the center round hole, the square chisel is totally driven by your hand power and not the drill motor in any way.

All hollow chisel mortisers are like that.

[Tequila]

And yes - if you use the riser block you cannot use the rack and pinion system. It says that in the manual.

[wassaw998]

Joe, I still can't find that in the manual, what page it that on?