Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to Multicos FAQ section ( Frequently Asked Questions) We hope this section will answer any questions you have on Multico and Hollow Chisel Mortising.

How long do tools last?

Of course it depends on the type of wood being used and how regularly you use it. Generally the bit will last as long as a normal drill would last, in a conventional drill press the chisel is likely to last two or three times as long.

Can the tools be sharpened and is it expensive?

It is very simple and inexpensive to sharpen both the chisel and the bit. The bit can be sharpened in much the same way as a normal drill bit , using a file. To sharpen the chisel, Multico offers three sharpening kits, each suitable for sharpening a range of chisels. The sharpener resembles a countersunk bit and is used with a LOW speed power drill or hand brace. Full instructions are given in the manuals provided.

Can I use the tools in my drill press?

No- although it may be physically possible to adapt a drill press to fit a chisel and bit, it would not work well. Multico hollow chisel mortisers are designed to take the considerable forces at work when hollow chisel mortising. A drill press is not. It is essential that a hollow chisel mortiser has a dovetail slideway, no quill, high leverage rack and pinion movement and seperate fixings for the chisel and bit. After all , if it were possible to mortise succesfully with a drill press Multico would not be in business.

Is this system new?

Multico has been manufacturing hollow chisel mortisers for 60 years. The machines available today however are better, more accurate and less expensive than in previous years. There are many world markets where the Multico hollow chisel system is becoming more and more popular, in favour of other systems such as slot and chain mortising. We know of no markets Multico operates in where there reverse is true!

Do machines work in hard and soft woods?

Yes- as with all cutting tools, efficiently and operational ease varies with the type of wood. Hard woods may give a cleaner cut, where as soft woods may require less effort. Obviously with very hard woods it is easier to cut with a 16mm tool that with a 25mm tool.

How does the machine cut a square hollow?

The tool consists of two parts, the chisel and the bit. The bit slightly leads the chisel into the wood, cutting a round hole. The following chisel then cuts the corners out to produce a square hole.

Does the chisel vibrate?

No- it is very important that it is firmly fixed.

Can plastics be mortised?

Although not designed to mortise, some plastics can be mortised, we would need to have a piece of the material to test it.

Can MDF and chipboard be mortised?

Yes

Why is it better that head (tool) moves rather that the table (work piece)?

Having a fixed work piece enables you to keep a datum, which in turn allows you to set up the stops for work position, length and width of mortiser. This is essential for the professional doing repetitive work.