Replies

1. 
   Senomozi | Oct 01, 2009 07:14pm | #1

   I can't answer your question but wanted to point out that on the FWW web site there is a 5 minute video review of mortisers (https://www.finewoodworking.com/subscription/ToolGuide/ToolGuideArticle.aspx?id=5209), a companion article (https://www.finewoodworking.com/ToolGuide/ToolGuidePDF.aspx?id=2816) and a tool's review (https://www.finewoodworking.com/ToolGuide/ToolGuideProduct.aspx?id=5723)

   Perhaps you've already looked at these but since I could not tell I figured I should mention them.

2. 
   forestgirl | Oct 01, 2009 10:58pm | #2

   There's more than one Powermatic benchtop mortiser -- are you referring to the PM701?  It's the new model, but non-tilt.  The two features that I really like, reading this review, are the tooless adjustments and the roller hold-ins for the stock.  My Steel City has those rollers, and it's one of the things that tipped the scales in favor of that model a few years ago.  If ~$400 isn't too big of a bite for you, I'd say go for it.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   
3. 
   spotcheck | Oct 02, 2009 12:51am | #3

   Like previous comment, don't know what Powermatic you are looking at, or compared to what.  Mine is maybe/probably not the one you are looking at, but here's what I can tell you, though:

   When I first got started, I got the Delta benchtop - don't remember the model #, but the current 14-651 (@ $300 or so) looks the same.

   After a year or so, I gave it away (to a friend that is a high school shop teacher, for his classroom - otherwise would have sold it - wasn't so desprate to get rid of it that I just tossed it - good friend, and the kids made good use of it so I was happier that way than with the $$). 

   In its place I got the Powermatic 719A - non-tilt model, discontinued  I think, and replace by the 719T.  No comparison, not even close.  Much much heavier-duty, much more precise, table adjustments are terriffic, etc, etc.  The only item I would change would be the hold-down - mine has a fron-mounted worm gear that pushes the part against the back fince - sometimes I clamp a block(s) of wood on top.  THis is not a big deal, IMO.   Also, it weighs a LOT.  Don't use the cabinet/base - I have in on my back bench, and never even bothered to anchor it.  Had it - oh - I guess 8-9 years.

   I understand that these are not really even in the same weapons class, but I did not understand a lot of stuff when I got started (not that that has changed much).  You get what you pay for, and I got my money's worth - every penny.  ALSO - you get what you pay for on the HM chisels as well.  I only have experience with Fisch @ mabye $50 each.  I sure there are other HM chisels out there that are just as good, and even better, but no experience - others should chime in here - I'd be interested in that

   Late addition:  I see the Powermatic 719 is about $1,150 now - IIRC, mine was $950 or so.  I would make the same decision again.