Delta 14-651 Mortiser - Riser block

[SHADOWFOX]

Hi guys,

I recently bought this and finished putting it together a few weeks ago and now ready to use it. I installed the riser block and now the chisel cannot reach the pieces that I am trying to mortise. To the members who have this mortiser, did you install the riser block or did you just put it aside for future use if needed. Greatly appreciate any info.

Thanks,
Chris

[Tequila]

Mine is installed without the riser block, for exactly the reason you ran into. I figure that I can install it if I ever need to work on a big piece.

[LCHIEN]

The riser in this case (unlike the riser on a bandsaw) doesn't increase the depth of cut (e.g. the travel of or length of the bit) so in effect the bit is just moved higher.

Assume the bit travel is 4", the normal setup allows making mortises in wood up to 4" thick and going all the way thru (up to 4" deep). So the purpose of the riser is to translate the range of bit motion so you can make a 4" deep mortise in a 6" thick piece of wood. E.g. have more clearance under the bit