Hollow-chisel mortiser opinions

[DaveO]

I think that I decided that the B-day money burning a hole in my wallet will go to a mortiser. So far based on several reviews, including one magazine article review provided by Insomniac, I think that I will get the Delta 14-651 Mortiser.

I looked at the General also, despite being a little better machine, I think it is out of my price range for the tool use value. Any one have any opinions on the Delta, good or bad or thought about any other manufactures machine. TIA,
Dave

 

[Travis Porter]

I like the storage on the back of it. I have the Jet, and think the Delta is the better machine.

 

[WoodWrangler]

I bought this same mortiser last week and used it to make about 15 mortises thus far. It works well and is fairly stable without being mounted to the table. From what I've see so far, I would recommend it.

My one complaint (but it was expected) ... the bits/chisels that it comes with are not probably the best quality. They are suffiice, but my guess is that there are better ones available. Of course, you can always buy one later.

 

[walnutjerry]

[

or thought about any other manufactures machine. TIA,
Dave[/quote]

I bought a "Fisch" at a woodworking show in WS a few years ago. It was less expensive and came with a set of 4 chisels/bits. It also had the little storage rack attached. What sold me was the fact it had bouble columns for the head support. You may want to search it out for more particulars.

Another reason was the fact it was a small company and one of the owners was the one demonstrating so I got to talk to the "top dog" right then about warranty, service etc. I had one problem in being able to adjust the bit in relation to the chisel. I called him and he knew right off the bat what it was--------the chuck was too shallow to get the bit raised high enough-----his first words were " I will send you the correct chuck today". No hassle, no delay----I had the chuck within 3 days. :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

Jerry

 

[walnutjerry]

That looks like a really nice machine that you posted a picture of. Looks like a really good support for the head and good size table. Looks much better in comparison to the Delta I saw the day I bought the Fisch!!

Jerry

 

[DaveO]

Thanks Jerry, the Fisch came up several time in my info searches. It looks like a fine machine. Do you see any drawbacks to a non CI table surface or the overall tale size?
Dave

 

[WoodWrangler]

There is a slightly cheaper (in price) Delta that I was recommended to "stay away from". The picture of the one you posted is a notch up and has received excellent reviews throughout.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[walnutjerry]

Thanks Jerry, the Fisch came up several time in my info searches. It looks like a fine machine. Do you see any drawbacks to a non CI table surface or the overall tale size?
Dave

Dave--------In as much as it is an ocassionally used machine in my shop, I see no drawbacks with the smaller table. I use mine primarily to mortise table legs so I cut 2 pieces of 2x as wide as the space from top of work bench to top of mortising table----------that gives a place to rest the part of the leg that hangs off the machine table. I have not seen a bench top mortiser with a 30 or 36" table anywhere. How wide is a table leg anyway?:eusa_thin Rarely over 6"--------most are less than that. So I see no handicap in having a table on the machine only 6" deep.

Knowing what you want to do with it may be the deciding factor. 4Yanks has a really nice PM floor model-----he may have some insight for you on bench top verses floor model.:idea:

Jerry

 

[ChrisC]

Dave,

I've had the Shop Fox for about 3 yrs now. I've been rather pleased with it.

The woodworking shop that I apprenticed at, had an old foot operated Cressent(sp), and I must say that will spoil you. The one thing to keep in mind about a benchtop model, is that it takes more effort using your arm, rather than your leg. I have also used a hydraulic operated morticer, but nothing beats the "ole Cressent".

One thing to keep in mind, is that not all chisel and bits will work with every morticer. The Shop Fox, Grizzly, and the older Craftsman(don't know about the newer model) require a longer shanked chisel and bit. You can't use a Delta,Jet, or Fisch brand with these, because the shanks are to short.

The Shop Fox has a cast iron base, but the table is wood/mdf. That doesn't bother me, because I was able to square the fence/table/bit dead on with some masking tape shims.

As with all benchtop models, morticing long stock is a PITA, so I designed a rolling cabinet, with folding extensions(opens to about 6'). Now, I don't have to struggle with trying to support long, heavy stock.

Here is my setup:

 

[Monty]

I really like that cart design. I'm going to have to make one similar now that I have had to remove my permanent mortiser/miter saw station. I want to make one that will fit both the HCM and the CMS.

 

[ashley_phil]

I would pay the extra money for a GENERAL INTERNATIONAL or POWERMATIC that has a table similar to a machinist vise. For mine I bought a machinist vise from Harbor Freight and had to turn the mortiser around on the bench and mout the vise on a table in front to make repetitive cuts on the rails for my crib. It was a pain but ensure accurate and repeatable holes.

Don't buy the Harbor Freight mortiser because you can't find chisels for the blame thing!!! Even the ones HF sell don't fit it and when you ask aobut it they just scratch their head.

 

[sapwood]

ChrisC,

Great setup for the mortiser and OSS. Also noticed you have a couple of nice jigs (RT fence? and TS sled) hanging on wall. :eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap

Sapwood

 

[ChrisC]

ChrisC,

Great setup for the mortiser and OSS. Also noticed you have a couple of nice jigs (RT fence? and tablesaw sled) hanging on wall. :eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap

Sapwood

Sapwood,

Thanks for the kind words.

I had to look at the pics for a few minutes, but that fancy fence is from the drillpress morticing attachment, and that sled is my tenoning jig. I use a dado with that on the TS.

 

[Ozzie-x]

Lots of good comments and info in this thread. The "new" Delta mortiser is supposed to be pretty good. I got the original Delta mortiser not long after they came out, and surprisingly, it's actually done pretty well with few problems. I've got a set of the old Delta/Rockwell chisels and with those installed it cuts pretty well. However, I did break the fence assembly and was shocked to find that the fence rod was machined cast iron- should have been steel and typical of the new Delta de-engineering, of course it broke, it was supposed to :roll: . Anyway, overall I've had good success with it but would recommend going with the one DaveO pictures. Personally, I'm thinking my next upgrade will be for the big foot-operated tilt-table Powermatic.

 

[D L Ames]

Ditto the comments on the HCM stand Chris. That is a great use of space while still providing additional support. I have the same OSS as you except it has Ryobi written the side of it.

D L

 

[woodguy1975]

I'd recommend the General tilting head. It is the most versitile by far.

John

 

[cpowell]

I have the Delta 14-651 and I like it a lot. I test drove a friend's HF and it does not compare to the Delta. I set the bit, adjust the fence on a test piece and mark the start and stop point then simply work away. I considered higher end stuff but the CFO would not approve anything in the next higher range.

Based on my experience I would buy the Delta again today. The cheaper Delta model is not worth what they ask. Fence is a pain to adjust.

I have read of some of the Delta's arriving damaged from shipment but that has been some time back.

Chuck

 

[4yanks]

As walnutjerry mentioned I have a PM 718A. I love it. I highly recommend it. I now notice that it comes wih a tilting table. Which I think makes it even more attractive.

 

[cpowell]

I just looked at the Powermatic mortiser...no wonder everyone loves it...I do too!!! :lol:

That machine is not even in the same league as the Delta. Different class altogether for sure.

Looks like a real hoss! Go Powermatic (it's only 1000 bucks!).