Recomendations needed for a benchtop mortising machine

[JimThomasson]

.... still got some of Uncle Sam's money to burn and thinking about a good middle of the road mortising machine. General, light work so I don't need top of the line.

Recommendations anyone?

 

[sediener]

I just got the PM701 and really like it. Its a little more expensive than the others but it is definitely a step up in quality and strength. It comes with a free stand during this promo (if WC ever gets it in stock). Might be able to get 10% off at Klingspor this week.


- Steve

 

[cpowell]

I have had the Delta 14-651 for 4 or 5 years. I have made a lot of mortise and tenon joints with it. It's a decent machine - it makes good joints. I think I paid around 225 dollars or so. It's still going strong.

There are better machines at a much higher price point and there are worse machines at a higher price point.

Amazon has had several "give away" price levels on this unit in the past three years (after I bought mine of course).


Chuck

 

[DaveO]

I'll have to second Chuck's thoughts. I too have the Delta 14-651 and it's fine machine at a good price. I really like the cast iron table and easily adjustable fence. The hold down works great. I have heard that the stock chisels aren't the best, but I haven't found any issues with them, and have only needed to sharpen the most used one (3/8") once since I've had it.
MTCW,
Dave

 

[FuzzWuzz16]

Jim,
I've had the Steel City machine for about a year-and-a-half and really like it a lot.
Jim

 

[Makinsawdust]

I've got the heavier Delta. I don't know if they are still selling two bench top models but when I bought mine they did. It does what it's suppost to. The things to look for are; large heavy table, good hold downs, strong arm/handle and depth of cut.
Rob

 

[Nativespec]

You can do it with a plunge router. I had the General brand with the tilt feature, but sold it after buying the Domino.

David

 

[JimThomasson]

hmmmmmm...... food for thought! Thanks guys!
gotta see how much $$$$$ is left after the band saw!

 

[Travis Porter]

I have the Jet benchtop unit and would not buy it again.

 

[JimmyC]

Travis,

All work and no play, makes Travis a dull boy:lol:. Get rid of the Jet and get the Grizzly.

Jimmy

http://www.grizzly.com/products/Industrial-Hollow-Chisel-Mortising-Machine/G4814

Ps. Glad to see you back.

 

[Travis Porter]

Travis,

All work and no play, makes Travis a dull boy:lol:. Get rid of the Jet and get the Grizzly.

Jimmy

http://www.grizzly.com/products/Industrial-Hollow-Chisel-Mortising-Machine/G4814

Ps. Glad to see you back.

Thanks, it is nice to be home. Being on the road for the past 3 weeks has gotten old. I am looking forward to going out and playing in the shop this weekend. I still have to get the jointer wired up and running!