Replies

1. 
   RodWolfy | Feb 02, 2006 11:55pm | #1

   I got the Powermatic 701 the first day they came available (November 3rd?). No complaints, other than they were too cheap to send along a set of chisels for it. The speed is 1700 (which I read in some reviews was the best speed), the lever is long and adjustable for angle and right or left side use, it has a 'patented' system for spacing the chisel and bit apart, the hold down is very stiff and easy to adjust, it has a tool caddy with diamond chisel sharpener, it has an opening door (which wraps around the drill bit jaws, allowing easy access), and it has cam wheels on the table to hold the wood to the fence and still move it side to side.

   If you do a lot of mortises, it's probably the best benchtop mortiser for the money. I would expect it to get rave reviews in the woodrags when they come up. If you don't do them often, then find workarounds for your current machine.

   Rod

1. 
   lokiloki1 | Feb 03, 2006 01:43am | #3

   thanks for the response, rod.  I chop out a ton of mortises, and the hold down on the jet is killing me.  that dinky little set screw really sucks.  pulling out of the hole on a deep stroke will pull the hold down right out of the machine, which obviously is no good.  does the hold down on the powermatic really work?

1. 
   RodWolfy | Feb 03, 2006 07:58pm | #6

   Yes it does. It's similar to the one on the General, which would have been my choice if the Powermatic hadn't just come out.

   http://www.general.ca/pagemach/machines/75050a.html

   However, the placement is different. It's on it's own post. It's a U shaped bracket which is L shaped when viewed in profile. It can be mounted on the post right side up or upside down, depending on the thickness of the stock. Here's the link for a better view:

   http://www.wmhtoolgroup.com/index.cfm?area=shop&action=detail&iid=6056912

   Rod

    

1. 
   RodWolfy | Feb 03, 2006 09:07pm | #7

   Here's a photo of mine. It shows a little different angle of the chuck than the factory photo:

    

   
1. 
   lokiloki1 | Feb 03, 2006 09:43pm | #8

   Thanks for the pic and the info rod. both the pm and the general look real good. i think the deciding vote is going to be something like which one has better leverage, or some other similar detail.

2. 
   merlvern | Feb 03, 2006 12:22am | #2

   i asked a similar question in the "breaktime". not wanting to spend $400 on the tool, what's the best to get? i see delta and jet at about $240-$300?

   most hate delta, but it has a larger (cast iron) base and fence.

1. 
   lokiloki1 | Feb 03, 2006 01:44am | #4

   don't get the jet, you will be sorry.

1. 
   merlvern | Feb 03, 2006 04:09pm | #5

   so.....delta?thanks for the help