I would like to hear opinions on anyone’s experience with any of the following manufacturers Hollow Chisel Mortisers.
I am looking at purchasing one of the following:
Laguna – Platinum; the Powermatic 719T or the Grizzly G4814. Input from anyone who has used any of these would be appreciated.
I am looking at purchasing one of the following:
Laguna – Platinum; the Powermatic 719T or the Grizzly G4814. Input from anyone who has used any of these would be appreciated.
Replies
The Powermatic mortiser I bought several years ago must be an earlier version of the 719, because mine doesn't tilt.
I've been very happy with it. I've made mortises as narrow as 1/4" and as wide as 1". For the latter, in walnut, I was almost hanging from the arm to force the chisel into the wood, but the motor did not struggle at all. Quite glad I got the moveable base for it, as it isn't used all that often. Different size bushings needed for different bits, and sometimes a shaft extender, but doesn't take long to set up and take down, and all mortisers likely need them.
I have owned the Powermatic 719T for a few years. This is a great machine. The x-y movement of the table is very smooth. The motor has more power than you could ever need. Or at least than I could ever need. I am a hobbyist, so I don't ask a whole lot from the machine, but I can't really see even everyday use effecting this machine. I have not used the tilt feature yet, but I figured this would be the only machine I would ever buy, and with forty or fifty more (hopefully!) years of of woodworking in my future, I didn't want to not have it. That said, I have played around with the tilt mechanism, and it is rock solid. The x-y table makes long mortises a breeze. I don't think you can go wrong with this machine. Don't know about the others. I was comparing the PM with the General when I was shopping for mine.
I have the 719 - haven't used it very much but do think it is a great machine. If I had one little complaint it would be the clamping mechanism. It is a little hard to turn without using both hands. Oil on the screw doesn't seem to help much.
THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR THE INPUT
Another vote here for the Powermatic, and the tilt function is very handy to have. My machine has paid for itself already although I've only had it a year. It has been trouble free.
Old Green
http://www.oldgreenwoodworking.com
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled