Replies

1. 
   jc21 | Aug 31, 2004 03:26am | #1

   Do a search ............. there's a lot of comment and info. I'll let you know about the Delta 14-651. I'm in the process of setting it up and hope to have some square holes in a day or so (might take a day just to get all the cosmoline off ;o)). The 14-651 has done well in several magazine reviews. A floor machine, though much more capable, wasn't in the budget. For me it came down to either the Delta or the General 75-050M1. There wasn't a General available to look at plus it was over $100 more at the time I bought mine. The General does appear to be a heavier duty machine (it weighs 15lbs more, has a 6" stroke vrs. 5", and and can do 5/8" mortises). If you do go Delta, make sure it's the 14-651 you get and not the MM300 as the 14-651 is much improved over the earlier MM300. As for Multico, Garrett Wade will stop importing them and has really dropped the price on remaining stock. They will continue to have parts and service for them.

   http://www.garrettwade.com/jump.jsp?lGen=detail&itemID=103845&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=0&iSubCat=0&iProductID=103845

   http://www.deltamachinery.com/index.asp?e=136&p=997

   http://www.general.ca/product/inter/75050an.html

   
   

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   Edited 8/30/2004 8:34 pm ET by jc

2. 
   sjay001 | Aug 31, 2004 03:58am | #2

   Hi Larry,

   I use a Jet bench top model and have found it very satisfactory. I work with White Oak quite a bit (A & C Furniture) Mortising all of those spindles can be a pain in the bum. I keep the chisels very sharp and ensure the bit is set for use in hardwoods and not rush things so the chisel does not overheat. A set of quality chisels is worth the money.

   Cheers,

   Steve

3. 
   Mr_JJ | Aug 31, 2004 05:50am | #3

   I would look at the General if you can find one. For $100 more, you can get a very quality machine. It is much beefier than the Delta, and feels way more solid. I own one, and it is great. It has, I believe, a 1/2 horse motor. It doesn't bog down in any wood I've used it in.

1. 
   KesslerCraftsman | Aug 31, 2004 07:15am | #4

   Thanks!

4. 
   nikkiwood | Aug 31, 2004 06:47pm | #5

   Larry,

   You asked about a mortiser that is somewhere between the bench tops and the $1900 Multico.

   You might want to take a look at this floor model mortiser from Powermatic (Jet has an identical version):

   http://www.jettools.com/PMWood/Tools/Mortiser/719A.html

   A couple of years ago, I got rid of a Delta bench model, and bought this Powermatic. I think the price is around $750, but I was able to get mine for $600 (it was a demo at a woodworking show).

   It cuts way better than the bench top -- and the x-y table makes it especially convenient.

5. 
   emerckx | Sep 02, 2004 01:32am | #6

   Larry,

   I have the Jet benchtop. I added a crossvise to it and now couldn't be happier with it. I've used it on a variety of woods and it had done well in all. It has more than enough horsepower, but lacked a decent clamping system. An inexpensive crossvise solved the problem. I got the idea from someone online. You have to reverse one of the screws, but it was no problem. Total cost was about $50.

   Mike

1. 
   Buzzsaw | Sep 02, 2004 03:21pm | #7

   EMerckx,

     Could you post a picture of the mortiser with the crossvise?

   Regards,

   Buzzsaw

1. 
   KesslerCraftsman | Sep 02, 2004 05:48pm | #8

   Thanks to all.

   I ended up ordering the Shop Fox due to the 3/4 hp motor, dual columns and decent reviews.  If money was no object, the floor model Powermatic, followed by the floor model General would have been my choice.

   I'll use this weekend and let folks know my initial impressions.

   Larry Pile

   http://www.kesslercraftsman.com

2. 
   emerckx | Sep 03, 2004 03:15am | #10

   Maybe. Never posted a picture here before. So here goes. I think I bought the crossvise at Grizzly.

   
1. 
   Buzzsaw | Sep 03, 2004 02:37pm | #11

   Thanks EMerckx,

     That is a great visual...Regards,

   Buzzsaw

2. 
   Jellyrug | Sep 03, 2004 09:20pm | #13

   EMerckx,

   Now why didn't I think of that!! Excellent Idea!!

   I'll mount one on my ShopFox and send you a photo, with my Colnago C40 in the background. :-)

   Willie

1. 
   emerckx | Sep 04, 2004 02:09am | #14

   Colnago c-40. I had to go look at what I posted. I thought I had my Litespeed or Bottecchia in the background....now I guess you're just referring to the handle, eh?

6. 
   hammer1 | Sep 03, 2004 02:11am | #9

   I have a couple of different morticers. A Delta bench top as well as an old Powermatic floor model with traveling table and foot pedal (junk). The bench tops are limited in the size under the chisel. There is hardly any table to support your work. You need to use accessory clamps to keep your piece from pulling up with the bit. They aren't much better than a drill press conversion. I don't normally use a lot of mortices. When I do they are often large. Most of the time I use a router and jig. Chain morticer on the heavy stuff.

   If I had to make many mortices, I think I would look into a slot morticer rather than a square chisel type. Even the best of the square chisel types still rely on pressure to shave out the square. A slight mis-set up can burn the bit. Keeping them sharp is a pain for me. And there is always the aggravation of set up and keeping it set. With the expensive industrial machines you get better holding and a moving table but the bits are the bits in my view.

7. 
   mudman | Sep 03, 2004 05:42pm | #12

   Larry,

   I have the 14-651 (Delta) its their nicer half horse model. It is good for the money. I haven't used it enough to justify something better.

   Mike

   please excuse my spelling.
8. 
   CarpenterJC | Sep 04, 2004 07:08am | #15

   I have an older Model (about 7 years) Jet..1725 rpm..I was comissioned to build 4 sets of outdoor furniture..all from cedar and was doing it all with mortise and tenon..no mech fasteners..so the job pretty much required it..and I worked it into the bid...so for me it was worth it..now I use it more than I ever thought I would..I also have a set of the Fisch Chisels from Garrett Wade..they are definetly worth the upgrade..anyway..just My 2 cents..

    

                                                        JC