Harbor Freight Mortising Machine

[lwhughes149]

Could I get an opinion on Harbor Freight's Central Machinery Mortising machine? It sells for $130.00 and cuts 3/8", 1/2", and 1/4". I have a HF 1hp dust collector and have had no problems with it. I see mortising machines running between $250.00 and above. I would put it on my Christmas list for $130. Thoughts please? Lorraine

 

[DaveO]

Is this the one? http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=35570

It looks a little light duty, but should probably do what you want it to.

I have this Delta

And it will pop a mortise in just about anything you throw at it. But it is about $100 more.

Dave

 

[junquecol]

I would pass on this machine. I can only speak from my experience with my Delta. It is a pretty good machine, but it is the older one that is out of production. Cutting mortises isn't for the faint of heart, or stength. First hole is toughest. If you don't have any experience with a HC Mortiser, I stongly suggest that you try someone elses first. A fellow woodworker recently broke the hold down/ fence on his. (It is the same model as mine) Part was listed as obsolete- no longer available. We ordered a 20 MM oil hardening rod from Enco, along with a 20 MM 5-C collet. My neighbor, a retired machinist, made a replacement part that looks like it is "factory". No it looks better than factory. Sure is good to have him for a neighbor.

 

[NCPete]

I was looking at this machine before I stumbled on a great deal on the bigger Delta mortiser (like DaveO pictured). I think some folks on here had mentioned that some replacement chisels would not fit, so you would have to be careful to get the right ones, but other than that, a mortiser really is a pretty simple machine, and you don't need an $800 powermatic to make square holes. If you can find a deal on Craigslist, run with that.

 

[Canuck]

Lorraine,

This one came up on the Raleigh Craigslist today for $129...

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/tls/476676317.html

It generally lists at about $250. (Shopfox). Pretty good deal and very lightly used.

(XMas could come early for ya!)

Wayne

 

[Terry]

Lorraine

I don't have the mortising machine, but I do have the large dust collector which I really like. I have alot of HF tools and so far they have all come through without problems. For that price, I don't see where you could go wrong. If you are going to use it for long term on alot of projects you might want to consider other brands which will cost alot more. But for small projects its a great deal. Terry:eusa_danc

 

[junquecol]

The OEM, 3/8" bit on my Delta had a shank that was too long. Nothing that a die grinder couldn't fix.

 

[jeff...]

I got a Woodtek 900-881, when I use it it chomps and spits out chips right quick. Way better than a drill press attachment.

How do you turn bold off? it's not working...

 

[psufaninnc]

I have had both the HF and Delta. The HF was my first mortiser about a decade ago, I thought this would make things easier it didn't. The things was loud, hard to use and burned chisels. I used it maybe a dozen times. I bought the Delta 14-650 about seven years ago. This is a nice machine, much lower decibel level than the HF,easy to use (with some modifcations to the hold-down)and seldom burns chisels usually when I'm in GORILLA mode. Sorry, to disappoint you on the HF. I can honestly say been there done that.

 

[newtonc]

I have had the HF one for almost 5 years.One thing I do remember is that I got it for $99 on sale.I really don't think I would pay more for it.Of course that was 5 years ago.But I'm sure it still goes for that price when on sale.
Since you already have experience with HF I think you know what to expect.This was the last purchase for a HF power tool I have made.I gave up spending $ on HF tools soon after that.
I usually do mortises by hand anyway.I enjoy hand tools and the control is no match for a machine.They don't take long and are easy to mark out.
When I do resort to the machine I spend more time setting up,testing for square,etc.
If you have $130 to burn then get it.But I'd rather spend $130 on a good set of chisels.But who am I to talk...I have one!

 

[ashley_phil]

i have one and it works but it's cheap no way around that. i know the woodcraft in matthews has several of the delta's they are clearancing out i think the price was $ 175 the last time i was in there, but don't hold me or them to that because i don't know for sure. either way they have a stack of 4-5 that doesn't seem to be getting shorter in the last few months. maybe they would make you a deal.

the HF has a non-standard chisel size and the one's they sell won't even fit it. for that reason alone i'd recommend you not buy it. it's an adequate machine, but definitely has taught me if i can't afford a good machine i'll do with out.

 

[Inflatable Screen Door]

If your considering the delta, have a look at the craftsman. I just got one and it's very nice. The fence has a micro adjust feature that works well and the cast iron table is plenty big. It comes with 4 chisels to get you started. Shop Fox makes a nice one but it's a bit more expensive, probably 250.00. The craftsman was 200.00

 

[lwhughes149]

I bought the one from Dave, thanks for the post. I paid him with paypal so I just have to get it home. I have a neighbor who will be coming to the lake for Thanksgiving so that could be the delivery. Thanks guys. Lorraine

 

[DaveO]

Oh, from craig's list. :eusa_doh:

I was wondering the same thing...my wife was home all day, I had to run to the shop and check :lol::lol:

Dave

 

[lwhughes149]

What is this negative expression for Craig's list? I have heard it mentioned before but never went there. Would someone provide the link for it? On second thought, maybe not. I have my christmas present, don't wish to push my luck. Lorraine

As always, when I need something, my fellow woodworkers come through for me. Thanks

 

[Canuck]

Here is the link, Lorraine.

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/tls/

I, for one, thought that you bought the ShopFox mortiser off of the CL link that I sent last nite. Am I wrong?

BTW..........If you watch Craigslist, there are a few good deals out there....but generally you need to act fast.

Wayne

 

[DaveO]

I bought the one from Dave, thanks for the post.

Lorraine, there was nothing negative about Craig's List, it's a good thing. A much better source for good deals than E-bay because it's mostly local buyers and sellers.
Don't you know that there is only one Dave around here :lol::lol::lol::lol:
I am glad that you got a good deal, and a good piece of machinery that will be a pleasure to use instead of potentially frustrating. Woodworking is so much more fun when things work the way they're supposed to :icon_thum


Dave

 

[lwhughes149]

You were correct Wayne, I did buy the machine from Dave who lives in Northern Raleigh who has a different last name from the Dave we all know so I sorry to disappoint our Dave, he isn't the only Dave, :crybaby2:but that is how it goes sometimes. Thanks for the link to the list. I have purchased a few items from Ebay but not woodworking tools. I like to keep my money close to home. Can't wait to get the mortising machine, trying to work out the delivery details now.
BTY, have I ever come to this site and not been able to solve my problem or find something I needed? Never:eusa_clap Thanks I for one would cry if this site were to disappear.
Lorraine

 

[garymuto]

I bought the HF Mortiser for $99. It uses larger diameter chisels, but you can get similar ones from General or CMT. The OEM chisels need sharpening, otherwise it works OK, doubles as a drill press too, if needed.
The hold down is no good, but most other entry level mortisers are as bad. I found it to be quiet as long as the drill bit to chisel gap is set OK.
The worst feature is the wimpy lever arm that is hollow instead of solid. It will likely need to be replaced some day.
I would buy it again for $100. I would buy a jet or Delta for $150 if I could, they are usually $200+.
Good luck

 

[lwhughes149]

Dear Gary, I got a ShopFox, used, for $129.00. I haven't had an opportunity to use it yet but it appears to be, for the, the top of the line for a small time woodworker. I am always looking for a bargain. Thanks DaveO. Lorraine