I’m in the market for a new mortiser and am looking at the Powermatic and Steel City benchtops. I’d appreciate any comments, positive or negative about both machines. I realize the Steel City is considerably less expensive, especially with the rebate they have now but within this range, I’m not worried about the cost. Thanks.
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Replies
Both the Powermatic and the Steel City have the nice big table and roller hold-ins for the stock, but the Powermatic has the additional advantage of completely tool-less operation. I have the Steel City, and appreciate the extensions that are built into the table. It was closer to my budget, so I didn't look at the Powermatic. I guess the question would be whether the Powermatic's established name, built-in shims and sharpening cone would outweigh the cost difference. No chisels included with the PM though.
I've had a hard time getting shop-time this fall due to family pressures, so can't comment on any extended use of the SC unit.
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
I bought the Powermatic benchtop recently ($399) and really like it. Quiet (relatively speaking), easy setup, etc. Really like it. Used it in building a cradle.
I haven't seen any Steel City tools, but am eager to see how they play out. I hope they are good quality. What I read sounds good.
Alan - planesaw
i just saw another review of the current machines in another magazine, maybe wood mag., it might be worth a look for you. i believe the powermatic was a top choice. there also have been improvements to many of the other standard brands, esp. in terms of moving the stock along the fence. if i'm recalling what i read yesterday correctly, powermatic requires you to purchase the chisels separately. i think steel city did well in the review too.
The review was in American Woodworker. Powermatic was Editor's Choice (whatever) because of the tooless operation, and having a couple things thrown in (shims, honing cone). As usual, and of necessity, the review says nothing about reliability over time.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
that's right, it was american woodworker. thanks for the correction, i figured that out this afternoon. i had flipped through several magazines in a new borders books yesterday.
also interesting that powermatic would include a honing cone and no chisels.
Yep. The chisels that came with my Steel City seem quite nice. Would like to find a honing cone for them. The Delta one doesn't fit, I found.
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Edited 11/12/2006 10:29 pm by forestgirl
FG,
I assume you know Lee Valley has a good set of sharpening cones. About $8.00 I think.
Alan - planesaw
Yes, those are the ones that don't fit. They are made for the delta's and have a different angle than the Steel City.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Okay. I have used them on Jet and ShopFox and another no-brand name.
When you find out what the differences are (angles?) let us know.
Alan - planesaw
make sure you look at the new Yorkcraft. Just look at it at least. It is the only benchtop I have ever seen with an xy vise built into the machine.
Thanks I will. I apreciate all the responses and will let you know my choice.
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