Wen 43012 User manual

BENCH
MORTISER
Model # 43012
Your new tool has been engineered and manufactured to WEN’s highest standards for dependability, ease
of operation, and operator safety. When properly cared for, this product will supply you years of rugged,
trouble-free performance. Pay close attention to the rules for safe operation, warnings, and cautions. If
you use your tool properly and for its intended purpose, you will enjoy years of safe, reliable service.
IMPORTANT:
NEED HELP? CONTACT US!
Have product questions? Need technical support?
Please feel free to contact us at:
800-232-1195
[email protected]
WENPRODUCTS.COM
(M-F 8AM-5PM CST)
bit.ly/wenvideo
For replacement parts visit
WENPRODUCTS.COM
NOTICE: Please refer to wenproducts.com for the most up-to-date instruction manual.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Model Number:
Motor:
Spindle Speed:
Spindle Travel:
Chisel Capacity:
Chuck Capacity:
Chisel Shank/Bushing Size:
Max Stock Width:
Max Stock Thickness:
Max Mortising Depth:
Max Spindle to Fence Distance:
Max Chisel to Table Distance:
Table Size:
Foot Print:
Max Product Dimensions:
Assembled Product Weight:
Included Chisel Bits:
43012
AC 120V, 60Hz, 5A (Full Load)
1725 RPM
4-1/4 in. (108 mm)
1/4 to 1/2 in. (6 to 12 mm)
1/32 to 1/2 in. (1 to 13 mm)
3/4 in. (19 mm)
13-3/8 in. (340 mm)
4 in. (102 mm)
3 in. (76 mm)
3-1/2 in. (90 mm)
4-3/4 in. (120 mm)
13-1/2 x 6 in.
10 x 8 in.
13-1/2 x 22 x 29 in.
60.3 lbs
1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 in.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2
3
4
6
7
8
9
13
16
17
18
20
Product Specifications
Safety Introduction
General Safety Rules
Specific Rules for Bench Mortisers
Electrical Information
Know Your Mortiser
Assembly
Preparation & Adjustments
Operation
Maintenance
Exploded View & Parts List
Warranty Statement
2

SAFETY INTRODUCTION
Thanks for purchasing the WEN Bench Mortiser. We know you are excited to put your tool to work, but first,
please take a moment to read through the manual. This manual provides information regarding potential safety
concerns, as well as helpful assembly and operating instructions. Safe operation of this tool requires that you read
and understand this operator’s manual and all labels affixed to the tool.
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL: Indicates danger, warning, or caution. The safety symbols and the
explanations with them deserve your careful attention and understanding. Always follow the safety
precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury. However, please note that
these instructions and warnings are not substitutes for proper accident prevention measures.
NOTE: The following safety information is not meant to cover all possible conditions and situations that may
occur. WEN reserves the right to change this product and specifications at any time without prior notice.
Keep this manual available to all users during the entire life of the tool and review it frequently
to maximize safety for both yourself and others.
3

4
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
WARNING! Read all safety warnings and instructions. Failure to follow all instructions may result
in electric shock, fire and serious injury. The term “power tool” in the warnings refers to your mains-
operated (corded) power tool. Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.
WORK AREA SAFETY
1. Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
2. Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or
dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
3. Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
1. Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs with
earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
2. Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There
is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
3. Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of elec-
tric shock.
4. Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away
from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
5. When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable
for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
6. If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) pro-
tected supply. Use of a GFCI reduces the risk of electric shock.
PERSONAL SAFETY
1. Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a power
tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while
operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.
2. Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such as dust mask, non-
skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
3. Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to power source and/
or battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or energizing
power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
4. Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached to a
rotating part of the power tool may result in personal injury.
5. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool
in unexpected situations.

5
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
6. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing and gloves away from moving
parts. Loose clothes, jewelry or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
7. If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected
and properly used. Use of dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.
POWER TOOL USE AND CARE
1. Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The correct power tool will do
the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
2. Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled
with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
3. Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or the battery pack from the power tool before making any ad-
justments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting
the power tool accidentally.
4. Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or
these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
5. Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other
condition that may affect the power tool’s operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many
accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
6. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to
bind and are easier to control.
7. Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc. in accordance with these instructions, taking into account
the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those
intended could result in a hazardous situation.
SERVICE
Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will en-
sure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING
Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities may contain
chemicals, including lead, known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling. Some examples of these chemicals are:
• Lead from lead-based paints.
• Crystalline silica from bricks, cement, and other masonry products.
• Arsenic and chromium from chemically treated lumber.
Your risk from these exposures varies depending on how often you do this type of work. To reduce your expo-
sure to these chemicals, work in a well-ventilated area with approved safety equipment such as dust masks spe-
cially designed to filter out microscopic particles.

1. DO NOT operate this machine until it has been fully assembled and adjusted according to the instructions.
2. ALWAYS wear ANSI Z87.1-approved eye protection and a face shield/dust mask.
3. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry when using the mortiser. Keep hands, hair and other body parts away from
the mortiser bits. Loose clothes, jewelry or long hair can be caught in the tool.
4. DO NOT wear gloves when operating the mortiser.
5. Mount the machine to a stable workbench to prevent it from sliding or tipping over.
6. Check the workpiece carefully for splits, knots, nails, or other obstructions. These types of blemishes may cause
a safety hazard during cutting.
7. Only attempt to mortise materials with flat surfaces. For other styles and shapes of surfaces, applicable work sup-
ports are required.
8. Properly secure the workpiece using the fence and hold-down clamp to prevent it from lifting or shifting during
operation.
9. Make sure mortiser bits are sharp, free of damage. Never use dull or damaged bits.
10. Mortiser bits can fly out of the chuck at the operator if it is not properly secured. Make sure to fully tighten both
the chisel and the auger bit before mortising operations.
11. Remove the chuck key and all adjustment devices before starting the machine.
12. DO NOT turn on the mortiser until all objects (tools, scrap pieces, etc) are cleared off the table.
13. Allow the machine to reach full speed before feeding the bits into the workpiece. Do not turn on the machine
while the drill bit or chisel is contacting the workpiece.
14. Turn off and unplug the machine before doing any cleaning or maintenance. Use a brush or compressed air to
remove chips or debris. Never use your hands to remove excess material and debris.
NOTE: These safety instructions can’t possibly warn of every scenario that may arise with this
tool, so always make sure to stay alert and use common sense during operation.
6
SPECIFIC RULES FOR MORTISERS

WARNING: This tool is for indoor use only. Do not expose to rain or use in damp locations.
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
In the event of a malfunction or breakdown, grounding provides the path of
least resistance for an electric current and reduces the risk of electric shock.
This tool is equipped with an electric cord that has an equipment grounding
conductor and a grounding plug. The plug MUST be plugged into a match-
ing outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with ALL
local codes and ordinances.
Do not modify the plug provided. If it will not fit the outlet, have the proper
outlet installed by a licensed electrician.
Grounded
Outlet
3-Prong
Plug
AMPERAGE REQUIRED GAUGE FOR EXTENSION CORDS
25 ft. 50 ft. 100 ft. 150 ft.
5A 18 gauge 16 gauge 16 gauge 14 gauge
7
ELECTRICAL INFORMATION
IMPROPER CONNECTION of the equipment grounding conductor can result in electric shock. The conductor
with the green insulation (with or without yellow stripes) is the equipment grounding conductor. If repair or replace-
ment of the electric cord or plug is necessary, do not connect the equipment grounding conductor to a live terminal.
In all cases, make certain the outlet in question is properly grounded. If you are not sure, have a licensed electrician
check the outlet.
GUIDELINES FOR USING EXTENSION CORDS
When using an extension cord, be sure to use one heavy enough to carry the current your product will draw. An
undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating. The table below shows
the correct size to be used according to cord length and nameplate ampere rating. When in doubt, use a heavier
cord. The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord.
Make sure your extension cord is properly wired and in good condition. Always replace a damaged extension
cord or have it repaired by a qualified person before using it. Protect your extension cords from sharp objects,
excessive heat and damp/wet areas.
USE ONLY THREE-WIRE EXTENSION CORDS that have three-pronged plugs and outlets that accept the
tool’s plug as shown in Fig. A. Repair or replace a damaged or worn cord immediately.
Use a separate electrical circuit for your tools. This circuit must not be less than a #12 wire and should be protect-
ed with a 15 A time-delayed fuse. Before connecting the motor to the power line, make sure the switch is in the
OFF position and the electric current is rated the same as the current stamped on the motor nameplate. Running
at a lower voltage will damage the motor.

KNOW YOUR MORTISER
Carefully remove the tool and all contents from the packaging. Check all components and compare against the dia-
gram below. If any part is damaged or missing, please contact our customer service at [phone], M-F 8-5 CST
or email us at [email protected].
Operation Handle
Tool & Chisel Holder
Depth Stop
Motor
ON/OFF Switch
with Safety Key
Circuit Breaker
(Left Side)
Chuck Key Holder &
Spindle Chuck Access
Auger Bit & Chisel
Chip Guard
Table
Base
Hold-down Clamp
Fence Lock Handle
Gas Spring
Fence
8

9
ASSEMBLY
WARNING: To prevent injury from accidental operation, make sure the tool is switched OFF and un-
plugged from the power source before assembling the tool or making any adjustments.
Fig. 1
1
1
2
2
Fig. 2
1. Align the handle clutch (Fig. 1 - 1) to the end of the pinion
shaft (Fig. 1 - 2) and fasten using the spring and screw.
2. Installing the handle:
Remove the fasteners pre-attached to the handle. Insert the
end of the handle (Fig. 2 - 1) through the hole on the handle
clutch (Fig. 2 - 2) . Fasten with the spacer, spring, second spacer
and hex nut. Tighten with the wrench or pliers (not included)
STEP 1: CLEAN THE SURFACE
Your tool comes protected with a layer of heavy-duty anti-rust coating. Remove the protective coating from surfaces
using a soft cloth, moistened with kerosene (do not use acetone, gasoline or lacquer thinner).
After cleaning, cover the unpainted surfaces with a layer of good quality household floor paste wax to protect against
rust and corrosion.
STEP 2: INSTALL THE HANDLE (Fig. 1 &2)
Parts needed:
Handle Clutch Spring & Screw
Handle Assembly
(Handle, Big Washer, Spring, Small Washer, Hex Nut)

10
ASSEMBLY
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
1
2
1
3
5
4
1. Insert the fence assembly (Fig. 4 - 1) through the hole on the guide block (Fig. 4 - 2). Ensure that the set screw on
the top of the fence rod collar is tight.
2. Insert the fence lock handle (Fig. 4 - 3) through the top hole on the fence rod, behind the spring. Tighten the lock
lever to lock the fence in position.
3. Thread the micro-adjustment knob (Fig. 4 - 5) through the bottom hole of the adjustment plate (Fig. 4 - 4). Slide
the micro-adjustment plate onto the fence rod. Using the included hex wrench, tighten the set screw on the side of
the adjustment plate to secure it to the fence rod. Refer to page 14 for adjusting the fence.
Table
Micro-Adjustment
Plate
Micro-Adjustment
Knob
Fence Assembly
(Fence, Rod, Collar, Spring)
Screws
Fence Lock Handle
Assemble the table to the base using two screws. Thread the
screws (Fig. 3 - 1) into the holes of the table and through the
threaded holes on the base.
STEP 3: ASSEMBLE THE TABLE (Fig. 3)
Parts needed:
STEP 4: ASSEMBLE THE FENCE (Fig. 4)
Parts needed: