Tools and Tool Buying

[TNT Sr]

Thanks to all that have helped me decide on the dedicated mortiser vs. the drill press attachment. I've been tossing around the jet JBM5 or the delta 14-651.  Can find them in my budget.  Only review I've really seen is one from back when.  They gave the delta the top pick.  Although the Jet had some pretty good things said about it, it was only one shop's opinion.  I'm sure things have gotten a little better since the test and would like to know from ya'll.

I'm not limited to just those two brands...if ya'll have comments on others in that price range..I'm open!!!

My first project will be mortising through 7/8 and 1" poplar dowels at either 3/8 or 1/2 holes.  After that, hopefully it'll be back to square stock!!!

Thanks

Troy

[JL North GA]

Another model to maybe consider is the Laguna A175022.  I have a Delta attachment to my drill press and I would rather have a dedicated mortiser, so I will be watching this thread with interest.

[pandjmartinka1]

Grizzly has their shop fox mortiser on special till the end of the year.  That mortiser has always gotten better reviews than the grizzly machine.  It is a little larger and has a better table. 

[Kevin McC1]

From the sounds of yesterdays question it seems you will be a light user like I am.  I have the Delta 14-651 and am perfectly satisfied with it.  Mine is 5 years old.   I got in at $250 back then.

I saw one made by Steel City that had some pull out extensions on the sides of the table.  Looked handy to me.  Not sure of the status of Steel City these days, but, I was cruising thru a Sears store and saw the exact same machine only with a Sears label, for considerably less.  Might be at least a look see if there is a store in your area. 

My only other suggestion from my experience is to get a hone to tune up the chisels from time to time, they will need it.  I found that at Rockler's.

You won't truly appreciate the machine until you get some time and experience with it.  I bought mine because I was rebuilding our kitchen cabinets.  Right out of the box it got a good workout with good results.

Like any CI machine table, it takes a little care and maintenance.  The ways need to be adjusted and greased from time to time.

Kevin

[monfre]

For use of basic tasks in the shop most any model mortiser will do just fine for a few here and there, so if thats where you fit I wouldn't be too concerned on all the bells and whistles, but if you feel that after using is on a few projects and think you might have more use in the future and your budget isn't hampered as to how much you have to spend then I would go all out and buy the best you can afford. IMO thats always the best way to buy when it comes to tools of this category as it's one that needs to have more than just the basics because you never know when your gonna need the power or capacity on future project and you never want to leave yourself short when that time comes. 

[TNT Sr · Accepted solution]

This one looks like it could get the job done too...and it's a little cheaper...

http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2020302/21201/Steel-City-Bench-Mortiser-wChisels.aspx

----Ok, I bought this one----  Seemed like too good of a deal.  Wish I would've gotten it before noon, then it would've shipped today...oh well, it'll ship tomorrow

Thank ya'll for your inputs...I love this place

[hcbph]

I have the Delta 14-651 and it works for me.  They have one with a smaller table that seems too small to me.  I did see one by PM (I think) where they cast T-Track into the base so you can add clamps to it, I think that would be useful though I've never used it.

Paul

[LibertyWW]

I have the Delta and it is a piece of junk.  I think I am going to put it in my boat for an anchor.  There is a shear pin in the handle and it breaks when you try to cut a mortise in anything harder than styrofoam.  It is impossible to put something in that slot that will keep the handle engaged, everything breaks.  The machine itself is horribly underpowered, it takes forever to cut a mortise in hardwood.  The last time I used it, the switch caught fire when I turned it on.  I also have the delta mortising attachment for my drill press.  The drill press is so powerful that it snaps the mortise bits right off no matter how slow I make the drill press.  I have since switched to using a fostner bit in the drill press and knocking the corners off the tenons.  It is so much faster and I don't have to clean up the mortise with a hand chisel.  If I find a need for a dedicated mortiser again, I will by the big Grizzly floor model.

Fred