Replies

1. 
   Jellyrug | Aug 02, 2004 01:18am | #1

   Looked at both and believe the General is worth the extra $100, by a long shot.

   I have a Shop Fox, working well at a good price. The column supports are almost twice that of the Delta and the quality is good.

   Check the forums for slot mortisers, which appear to take preference over hollow chisel.

   Willie

2. 
   MatthewSchenker | Aug 02, 2004 03:02pm | #2

   jc,

   I have not yet purchased on of these machines. However, I have already done all the research on them.

   I have found that the Shop Fox gets the best reviews.

1. 
   plainjames | Aug 02, 2004 04:39pm | #3

   at the recent grizzly tent sale in muncy,pa, i noticed, what i considered to be too many, shop fox morticers with evaluation tags indicating "excessive spindle runout". i understand that may be the results of abuse...but the mental image of several piles of machines with similar problems somewhat clouded my research. despite good prices at the shop fox tent i did not bring one home.

1. 
   MatthewSchenker | Aug 02, 2004 04:50pm | #4

   Well, that's interesting. People looking at bench-top mortisers should think about this before they buy.

   However, I already decided that when I buy a mortiser I am going to get a floor model. None of the bench-top models, even the best ones, had the options and abilities of the floor models. I'll probably be getting one of these later this summer.

   At a recent woodworking show, I got a hands-on look at the General and the Powermatic floor models. I spent a lot of time using all the adjustments. Of course, I couldn't cut any wood with them, but they both seemed very nice.

   Edited 8/2/2004 9:51 am ET by Matthew Schenker

3. 
   Mr_JJ | Aug 02, 2004 08:11pm | #5

   I just bought the General. It works fine, and seems to me to be way more solid than the Delta. Way better then cutting them with a router, that's for sure.

4. 
   utternovice | Aug 02, 2004 11:31pm | #6

   I have the Delta and use the chisels that came withit.  I'm only a hobbyist but have used it to do a couple of arts and crafts tables (spindles), some long through mortises where one side is exposed and even used it to do the breadboard ends on a trestle table.  I've been very pleased with its performance in oak, poplar, maple and cherry, does not work as well in fresh lumberyard pine.

   The only problem that I've had with it is that the hold down bolts for the fence use plastic nuts and both of them split.  Apparently the hold downs were overtightened. 

   Delta tech support was great and sent two new parts out immediately even though I didn't have the complete serial number available when I called from work.

1. 
   scooter1 | Aug 03, 2004 01:18am | #7

   I have the Delta and added the extension kit and upgraded the fence with one of mine. I love it.

   Regards,

   Boris

   "Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934

1. 
   citrouille | Aug 03, 2004 11:31pm | #8

   I have a Multico PM20, the great advantage is that you can lower the table or remove it, basically you can mortise a door standing on its side.

   In my opinion this is the best and most versatile bench mounted machine even more so than afloor model.

   A little expensive but...

   I cut a lot of mortises, I use a lot of Hard Maple, never had any problem.

   C.

5. 
   JohnWW | Aug 04, 2004 12:32am | #9

   JC,

   Benchtop machines have their limitations, look in the "Hollow chisel mortiser" discussion currently going on in the joinery section.  I've used both types of machines and found that benchtop mortisers struggle with even medium sized bits and overall seem to be inadequate for all but light duty occasional work. 

   I usually try to steer people towards smaller machines for home use but for mortisers I think a full size machine has significant advantages.

   John W.