Replies

1. 
   RANGERP75R | Nov 04, 2002 10:05am | #1

   Z

      I did some extensive home-work and shopping b-4 I bought my BT mortiser. I do not know much about the FITCH. When I got on the forum 6 or 7 months ago someone posted that they sold their FITCH to get a better mortiser. That is here-say as some people like something and others think it's junk. Ha....

      In my search of 6 different models, ShopFox and General International came out as the best designed and well-built. The SF is $235 retail here in Atlanta and the GI $290. I got the SF as the dealer was out of stock and I bluffed him in saying that I needed today and would have to get the GI. He sold me the floor model for $185.

      My suggestion is wait to get info from someone that has used. If no response, save a little extra for weeks, months, etc, till you have enough to get a good one. $200 is almost there. IMO, be patient and wait till you save those extra few dollars. I think that patience will pay for itself in the long run with both performance and a reduction in frustration.

   Good luck Z man..

   sarge..jt

1. 
   zvonsomogyi | Nov 05, 2002 03:55am | #2

     thank you Sarge! I know the other machines don't cost much more, but I have a wife, so I need to be able to justify my shop expenditures. I appreciate the input. I looked at the SHOPFOX on the web and my impresion was that they were virtualy the same machine. Of course, looks are often decieving, and I will take your advice. I seem to remember a review of BT mortisers in a back issue of FWW, butt I can't find that copy! If anyone can find theirs, I would realy like to know the outcome.

1. 
   RANGERP75R | Nov 05, 2002 10:56am | #3

   Z

      Go to http://www.americanwoodworker.com and snoop. If Forest Girl sees this post, she can tell you how to find. Jamie is a whiz at locating info like this. Don't ask me, I'm too dumb to figure out how she does it. Ha.... Good Luck

      BTW, if that is all you can afford and can't save the extra over time and consent of spouse--go for it.. Old Woodworking Proverb..Better to get cheaper machine and tweak the he-l out of it to make it work as you desire, than to spend more than the spouse will spring for and create big trouble on the home-front that can't be tweaked to fix.  he..he.. Hey, you are not the only one that has some marital experience. Grin<>

   sarge..jt