Ferm FBM-370 Bench Morticer User Manual

Introduction

This document provides instructions for the Ferm Bench Morticer FBM-370. It includes technical specifications, package contents, safety guidelines, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting information.

Document Reference: FBM-370/18914/PMR26/Issue 1/April 02

Copyright: These instructions are the sole property of Ferm-Omega Tools and may not be reproduced.

Manufacturer: Ferm BV, P.O. Box 134, 8280 AC Genemuiden, NL. Website: www.ferm.com

Article Number: 733600

Screwfix Article Number: 18914

Compliance: CE

Technical Specifications

Package Contents

• 1 Mortising machine
• 1 3/4" Chisel Bush
• 1 Allen key 5 mm
• 1 Allen key 6 mm
• 1 Mortise chisel set 13mm
• 1 Chuck key
• 1 Arbor
• 1 Chuck

Check the machine, loose parts, and accessories for transport damage.

Safety Instructions

The following symbols are used in these instructions for use:

⚠️ [Warning]: Denotes risk of personal injury, loss of life, or damage to the tool in case of non-observance of the instructions in this manual.

⚡ [Electric Shock Hazard]: Denotes risk of electric shock.

Carefully read this manual before using the machine. Make sure that you know how the machine functions and how to operate it. Maintain the machine in accordance with the instructions to make sure it functions properly. Keep this manual and the enclosed documentation with the machine.

Ferm products are manufactured to high quality standards; they are safe and fit for purpose at the time of sale, but all tools can be dangerous if the correct precautions are not taken. Always follow these instructions; do not carry out the operation until you are sure you can do so in safety. Remember to consider the work environment for safe operation as well as safety for tool use.

Warning! When using electric tools, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury. Read all these instructions before attempting to operate this product. Save these instructions for future reference.

Product Information & Exploded View

The exploded view diagram shows all components of the Ferm Bench Morticer FBM-370. The numbered parts are listed below:

• 1. Machine head
• 2. Handle
• 3. Depth set guide
• 4. Chisel and bit
• 5. Fence clamping lever
• 6. Hold down clamp
• 7. Fence
• 8. Table
• 9. Bracket
• 10. Gear column
• 11. Guide column
• 12. Protection guard

Spare Parts List

Part 1

Part 2

Assembly & Setup

Before Using the Bench Mortiser

• Ensure the mortiser is unplugged from mains and is switched off.
• Mount the mortiser on a stable surface and secure with suitable bolts/screws (not supplied) through the two holes in the centre of the footplate. Use washers as necessary. The footplate is cast iron; do not overtighten fixings.
• Route the mains cable well away from the chisel/chuck and front side of the mortiser, ensuring it cannot get caught in moving parts or the workpiece.

Assembly

• Ensure the machine is switched off and unplugged from mains.
• The machine is delivered with metal parts protected by rust-inhibiting grease; remove this before assembly using a biodegradable, non-flammable, and non-toxic solvent.
• Fasten the handle (2): Slide the handle into the hole on the boss on the right side of the machine, ensuring the rear end does not foul the guide rod. Tighten the Allen bolt with the supplied 5mm wrench.
• Remove packing piece: Lower the machine head with the handle and remove the black H-section packing piece from the gear column (used for transport only). Allow the machine head to move to its upper position.
• Attach the support bracket: Place the support bracket between the gear and guide columns and secure with the two cap head Allen bolts, tightening with the 6mm wrench.
• Attach the wood base (8): Fix the wood base to the machine footplate with the two countersunk screws provided. Tighten with a suitable crosshead screwdriver (not supplied).
• Attach the fence (7): Take the clamp bracket (6) and attach it to the shorter slotted bracket on the fence assembly (7) using the red thumb knob and washer supplied.
• Attach the fence assembly to the support bracket: Remove the red lever from the fence clamp by undoing the Allen screw and removing the spring and lever. Put the threaded part of the clamp with the washer through the long slotted bracket on the fence assembly. Screw into the threaded hole in the support bracket hand tight. Refit the lever, spring, and Allen screw, and tighten with the 5mm wrench. Note: The clamp lever can be adjusted for the best operating position by pulling up the lever and turning it.

Operating the Mortiser

General Operation

• Plug into a suitable mains supply and switch on.
• Check that the chuck guard is in the down position.
• To switch the drill ON: Push the green button on the left-hand side of the machine head.
• To switch the drill OFF: Push the red button on the left-hand side of the machine head. (Note: This is a no-volt release switch).

Mortising

• Ensure the mortiser is unplugged from mains and switched off before starting.
• Position the fence to locate the workpiece in the desired location.
• Clamp the workpiece with the clamp and tighten the thumb knob to secure.
• Set the depth stop in the desired position and tighten the thumbwheel to secure.
• Switch the machine ON and let the motor come to full speed.
• Lower the handle slowly until the mortise is complete.
• Note: Do not mortise deeper than 1" (25mm) in one go. For deeper mortises, take several steps to allow chips to be ejected easily.
• When mortising is finished, switch off, raise the machine head to the upper position, and unplug from mains.

Mortising Slots

• Operate as for mortising.
• Slots and mortises longer than 1/2" (12.5mm) can be made by moving the workpiece along the fence after the initial cut.
• Make sure the open part of the chisel faces the direction of movement for chip ejection.

Using the Machine as a Drill

• If required, the wood base can be removed to increase height capacity. The machine footplate has grooves for clamps or a machine vice.
• Remove the chisel and bit, mount the external drill chuck as previously described.
• Insert a drill into the chuck. Ensure the drill is suitable, sharp, and its shank is in good condition.
• Tighten using the chuck key provided. Remove the chuck key immediately.
• Ensure the drill is secure in the chuck; slippage can damage the shank and prevent future centering.
• Set the depth stop as required.
• Secure the workpiece using clamps. Never hold the workpiece with your hand.
• When drilling is finished, switch off, raise the machine head, and unplug from mains.

During Use

• Let the bit come to full speed before mortising/drilling.
• Use an appropriate feed rate for the drill bit/material.
• Do not force the mortiser; use gentle pressure and let the machine work.
• Clamp material properly. Do not use hands or feet to support the workpiece.
• Be aware this is a powerful machine; unclamped workpieces can kick, causing injury.
• Do not hold workpieces with your hands while drilling.
• Do not wear gloves while drilling, as they can get caught.
• Never mortise/drill several workpieces at the same time.
• Use constant gentle pressure.
• If the bit seizes, switch off, unplug, and rotate the bit anti-clockwise to release. Never switch the machine on with the bit jammed.
• Do not use the machine without the safety guard in position.
• Remove chips with a suitable brush (switch off first); do not use your hands.
• Regularly inspect the chisel/bit for damage or wear; sharpen/replace as required. Use only recommended drill bits.
• Always remove the chuck key immediately after use.
• Switch off the machine before removing the plug from the mains socket.
• Keep hands away from the chisel/bit.
• Do not use the drill as a press.

Maintenance, Care, and Repair

Sharpening

Protect your hands. Chisels and bits are sharp! Ensure the mortiser is unplugged from mains and switched off.

To sharpen the bit:

• Remove the bit from the machine.
• Check for wear and dullness; replace if badly worn.
• Sharpen the inner edge of the spurs and the cutting edge of the twist with a suitable three-cornered file.

To sharpen the chisel:

• Remove the chisel from the machine.
• Examine the chisel walls; if noticeably thin, it must be replaced.
• If not thin, fix the chisel, cutting edge up, in a vice.
• Use a drill with a suitable rotary stone to sharpen the inner edges.
• Caution! Use very slow speed and sharpen a little at a time to avoid overheating and drawing the temper.
• Remove the chisel from the vice after sharpening and remove any burrs from the outside with a file or sharpening stone.

Cleaning

• Clean the mortiser with a soft brush or a wiper moistened with a suitable biodegradable solvent. Do not use inflammable liquids like petrol or alcohol, as they are a fire risk and will damage plastic parts.
• After cleaning, protect metal parts from rust with a light coating of rust-inhibiting spray.

Faults

Switch OFF immediately at the mains plug and remove the plug when:

• The plug or cable is damaged.
• The switch on the machine is defective.
• You smell or see smoke caused by scorched insulation.

The mortiser does not work when switched on:

• Damaged plug/fuse: Replace as required.
• Defective switch: Take to local dealer for repair.

Excessive Sparking:

Indicates dirt in the motor or worn bushes. Take the drill to your Ferm dealer.

Overheating:

• Clean the motor ventilation with a brush or dry cloth.
• The drill is overloaded: Apply less load. Use sharp drills.
• The motor is defective: Take to your Ferm Dealer.

Maintain Tools with Care

• Keep tools sharp and clean for better and safer performance.
• Follow instructions for changing accessories. Inspect tools and extension cables periodically; if damaged, have them repaired by a qualified person or authorized service body.
• Keep handles free from oil or grease.
• Keep ventilation slots clean to prevent motor overheating.

Check for Damaged Parts

Do not use a tool with damaged parts. Before further use, a damaged tool must be carefully checked by a qualified person to determine that it will operate properly. Check for alignment of moving parts, binding or breakage of parts, mounting, and other conditions that may affect its operation. A damaged part or guard should be properly repaired by an authorized service centre, unless indicated otherwise in the instruction manual. Have defective switches replaced by an authorized service centre. Do not use a tool if the switch does not turn on and off.

Have Your Tool Repaired by an Expert

This appliance is manufactured in accordance with relevant safety standards. Only experts must carry out repairing of electrical appliances; otherwise, considerable danger for the user may result.

Storing Tools

When not in use, tools should be stored in a dry place, out of reach of children.

Electrical Information

This product is complete with a pre-wired mains plug. If the plug needs replacing, follow these instructions.

Wire Correctly

The mains wires in this machine are coloured as follows:

• BLUE: Neutral (N)
• BROWN: Live (L)
• EARTH: Green/Yellow (E)

Securing wires: Secure wires carefully and firmly to the correct terminals. Secure the mains cable in the plug cord grip firmly.

Fuse: Fit a 5-amp fuse. If a 13 amp (BS1363) plug is used, a 5 amp fuse must be fitted.

Recycle/Dispose of old plug and cable

Prevent inadvertent connection to socket and risk of electric shock. If in doubt, always consult a Qualified Electrician.

Environment

At the end of this product's or its accessories' life, please recycle where facilities exist. Phone the Helpline for current advice on recycling.

Helpline

For any questions relating to operational or safety matters, contact:

Ferm Customer Helpline: 0115 966 1199

Monday-Friday: 8am - 6pm

Saturday: 9am - 1pm