I just purchased a Makita Mortiser primarily to cut 2" Mortises in Douglas fir. I'm wondering what is the optimum chain width for cutting 2" mortises. The unit comes stock with a 22/32" chain which requires 3 plunges to cut a 2" width. Would a 1 3/16" chain be better? Could a 2" wide mortises be made with two plunges instead of 3? WOuld this be any faster?

Dave,

If you can spend the money to get the 1 3/16" chain and the bigger bar it needs, then you will save a little time (Two plunges instead of three). I used one at a Guild rendezvous and we decided against getting one. For us the time savings seemed small compared to other cheaper to fix inefficiencies.

I don't recommend the 15/16" chain; it is not any faster. I prefer our stock chain to it.

Good Luck,

Gabel Holder

A problem I have experienced with using a wider chain and bar is that without that middle membrane of wood, the bar drifts in towards the bottom of the mortice. This is especially evident on deep and through morts. With practice, sweeping that middle section out takes only a few seconds, paring mortice walls square takes much more time.

HATFTI,
Bob