Replies

1. 
   Tinkerer3 | Feb 19, 2008 06:45am | #1

   I'm not sure if it is a benchtop or not.  I bought it from Tool Crib when you could get it without the base.  I made a base for it.  Have used it very little because I've been busy building the shop, not building things in the shop.  It has worked okay for anything I have used it for.

2. 
   THintz | Feb 19, 2008 11:35am | #2

   I think that of the benchtop mortisers the Powermatic is at the top of the heap. Probably over may floor models also. I have a review of this machine with lots of photos and a video at the link below if that would help.

    

   http://www.newwoodworker.com/reviews/pm701rvu.html

   Tom Hintz

   Because there is always more to learn!

1. 
   ktkamm | Feb 20, 2008 08:49pm | #3

   Thanks for the feedback and the link to your review. Very helpful.  Kieran

3. 
   jeffs | Feb 21, 2008 09:20am | #4

   I am also considering this machine- between this one and the Steel City. I can get it locally (SF Bay area) for $369 and PM currently has a promotion (until March) that they "give" you a stand with it.

   It doesnot come with any chisels (mixed blessing since the ones that come with other machines are not top quality).

   Tom's review was helpful, as was a recent American Woodworker review of several benchtop mortisers.

   Jeff

    

1. 
   forestgirl | Feb 21, 2008 08:08pm | #7

   Jeff, I own the Steel City, and while the Powermatic copied a couple of features from it (rollers, large table), it would seem they took it a few steps further, with tool-free adjustments and larger motor especially.  Of course you pay dearly for those upgrades, but if I were in the market right now I'd probably do it.  Would miss those stock-support extensions of the Steel City though.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

4. 
   Woodmaster1776 | Feb 21, 2008 06:02pm | #5

   I bought the Powermatic last spring when it was on sale at Woodcraft. Been very satisfied with it and it sure makes life easier--and the work more accurate--than doing the mortises with my router. There was a brief review in a Popular Woodworking issue that was enthusiastic about the Powermatic. The other bench top mortiser I considered was the General, which has a tilting head (might be useful for chair work) but I didn't get a chance to see it and couldn't find significant reviews, so I went with the Powermatic. Haven't seen any users dissatisfied with the Powermatic so that's probably a good indication.

   I did have one minor issue with my 701 Powermatic, but an e-mail to tech support brought an immediate response that solved the problem. I couldn't be happier--unless someone would gift me with the floor model Tom mentioned.

   Bob

1. 
   ktkamm | Feb 21, 2008 06:08pm | #6

   Thanks to all for the feedback. 

   Kieran 

5. 
   BruceS | Feb 22, 2008 05:22pm | #8

   Before you take the "plunge".  I would suggest you take a look at the Festool  Domino.   Its versatility, accuracy and ease of use are second to none.  For cabinet construction, face frame and face frame attachment to cabinet carcass it is better than any method.  I was a fan of the Kreg pocket screw system,  but now for strength and ease I choose the domino.   But it all depends on your application and the size of M/T you wish to make.  Granted, to get set up it will be about 3X the cost of the Powermatic but 10X more useful.  Food for thought, worth looking at.

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

1. 
   ktkamm | Feb 22, 2008 06:04pm | #9

   Thanks for the info Bruce.