Mortiser recommendations???

[tonyps]

Evening, yeah I know, recommendations are like opinions......:lol:
So many choices, way more tools...I have been reading up on Delta, Jet, Craftsman, Powermatic, HF, AMT, RAND.....
They all seem to come with the basic items, use 1/4-3/4 inch chisels, close to the same tool travel and handle length, 1/2 HP motor...
All things being equal, tough decision...I will only be using it for those occassional projects, so a bench top model is the way I will likely go,.......of course $$ is always an issue.
Would you folks mind chiming in with your experiences, good, bad, if you had it to do again....
Thanks and best to all.

Tony ...

 

[Travis Porter]

I have the Jet. The hold down on it is not as good as it should be IMO. Not a bad machine, but I don't think it is worth what I paid for it.

 

[sawman]

I agree with Travis, I own a Jet mortiser, had to shim the table to square it with the chisel and had to adjust the back square with the table. The material hold down had to ground down to set evenly on the stock. Other than that it, was not worth the money.

Albert

:saw:

 

[DaveO]

I have the Delta 14-651

The reason I chose it was for the large cast iron table and fence, reasonable price (it was on sale) and very good reviews. I am very happy with my decision.
Dave

 

[cpowell]

Ditto what DaveO said on the Delta 14-651. I've had mine for a few years and it works well.

Chuck

 

[WoodWrangler]

Same here with Dave and Chuck, I have the Delta 14-651 and would have about the same to say.

:icon_thum

 

[NCPete]

that's what I have, too! got it and 3 sets of bits!

 

[dancam]

Ditto to the Delta mortiser. Have had one for 5 years and it works well (used it on maple, oak and cherry).

 

[Nativespec]

If you did not purchase one already, look at the General 1/2 hp that tilts-it is about $420 (I bought one). It handles tall pieces and tilts.

 

[DavidF]

I use it so infrequently that I got the mortising attachment for my Delta drill press. Works ok for what I need.