Replies

1. 
   lancercunn | Nov 20, 2002 11:51pm | #1

   Drbill62,

   Saw this unit at a show, Delta has made changes but no sure if they are inprovements.  It is easier to get at the chuck, the front has a curved cover that hinges open and exposes the chuck from almost the front 180 degrees.  The base is much larger than the older version, they now call it the MM300?, the unit is heavier but you will still need to secure it to a bench.  The fence system was pretty cool, there is a rack and pinion mechanism that moves the fence in and out by rotating a star knob.  You then lock it down by two lever holdowns on each end of the fence.  Handle is still straight, would be niece to have one like the Shop Fox or General.  Don't know how the power of the motor compares, it still is a 1/2 HP motor like the older version.

   Bottom line, I'm still saving my money for the Powermatic 719A

   lancer.

1. 
   Elcoholic | Nov 21, 2002 12:06am | #2

   I broke the rack gear on the old Delta.  Granted I had a 8" cheater on the handle because I was doing a lot of mortises in QSW Oak.  On the other hand if it was up to doing hard, hardwood I wouldn't have needed a cheater for 3/8" mortises.  I blew out the strut dampener too.

   Ditto on the PM719A - It's just a matter of time 'till the right order comes along.John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   Life is tough.  It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne

1. 
   JAM | Nov 21, 2002 04:05am | #3

    I've been looking at the new Delta Mortiser to . But I decied to go with the General. Yet I know it's a little more money,But I feel it's well justified. If you shop around the web you can still get a preyy good price on the General. It took me a couple of weeks of looking around but I final at all the different brands,& for me I feel the General is the best of the bunch in bench top Mortisers.  Just ordered one he other day.

2. 
   RANGERP75R | Nov 21, 2002 06:39am | #4

   Bill

      Can't comment on the new Delta. Did much research when I bought several months ago. Got the ShopFox as a floor model special $185. Retails $235. Almost bought the General. It has 1725 rpm which I like better than the 3450 rpm SF. The Fox is sturdier over-all and weights more. I built a front crank hold down like the General has with a veneer clamp. $10..

      These are the only two I would consider on the current market in B/T's. If I could warrant as I cannot, ditto on the PM floor model.

      Whatever you buy, look at the General and ShopFox before you buy. BTW, both come with the longer handles.

   Good Luck..

   sarge..jt