Bluesssman Posted January 27, 2016 Report Share Posted January 27, 2016 I am ready to buy a mortising machine. I have about $1000 budgeted. I am looking for some suggestions. I have been looking at the Powermatic line. Any advice would be most welcome... Gary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Posted January 27, 2016 Report Share Posted January 27, 2016 I haven't used either but if I had to chose, I'd go with the http://www.rockler.com/powermatic-benchtop-deluxe-mortiser?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_content=pla&utm_campaign=PL&sid=V9146&gclid=CKinmNi-ysoCFdg2gQodGl0I1A or the http://www.performancetoolcenter.com/general-international-75-050t-m1-5-8-inch-hollow-chisel-mortiser-with-tilting-head/?gclid=CLOmssG-ysoCFdgWgQodTtwLvg. Again I've never used either. But the General with the tilting head looks pretty dope if you ask me. The Powermatic has a lot of cool features though, there's also a good review on YouTube. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pwk5017 Posted January 27, 2016 Report Share Posted January 27, 2016 domino xl? technically its a mortising machine. I haven't used a domino, but I have used a hcm, and I am not particularly wowed by the machine. Like im not lining up to spend a grand on one, that's for sure. What do you plan on using the mortiser on? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minorhero Posted January 27, 2016 Report Share Posted January 27, 2016 I have used a jet and powermatic floor model mortiser. They were essentially the same identical machine with the only difference being in the Chuck used. I liked both machines just fine but I don't know how a benchtop unit would hold up long term. The amount of stress on the parts was no joke. I don't own a domino, but if you can't afford a floor model mortiser I would seriously consider going that route over a benchtop unit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Wright Posted January 27, 2016 Report Share Posted January 27, 2016 I have a $350 bench top Jet that works fine for what I need, but as with any tool the more you spend the better it gets Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted January 27, 2016 Report Share Posted January 27, 2016 I have a HCM attachment for my drill press which isn't great. I also have a Domino machine ( the smaller one) . It works great ! So unless you are set on traditional mortice & tenon joinery take a hard look at a Domino. It needs a vac hose attached to work but you can adapt your existing vac hose to fit. So Festools dust collector is not an absolute necessity at first. They make 2 size machines smaller one for cabinets and furniture work and a bigger machine for large furniture and things like big wooden doors. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boatworks Today Posted January 27, 2016 Report Share Posted January 27, 2016 I have the pm719T and really like it. It's slightly over budget right now but if you can hold off until one of their sales it's roughly $1k delivered. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brendon_t Posted January 27, 2016 Report Share Posted January 27, 2016 I have access to a jet HCM. For my dollars, I'd be going domino as well. I find it to be more versatile where the HCM is about a one trick pony. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeteJr Posted January 27, 2016 Report Share Posted January 27, 2016 4 hours ago, wdwerker said: I have a HCM attachment for my drill press which isn't great. I also have a Domino machine ( the smaller one) . It works great ! So unless you are set on traditional mortice & tenon joinery take a hard look at a Domino. It needs a vac hose attached to work but you can adapt your existing vac hose to fit. So Festools dust collector is not an absolute necessity at first. They make 2 size machines smaller one for cabinets and furniture work and a bigger machine for large furniture and things like big wooden doors. Domino - that said from the proud owner of the Powermatic 719T - which is a very good machine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluesssman Posted January 28, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 28, 2016 Thank you everyone for your help and advice I will look into the domino unit and monthly may be the best way to go. Again thank you so much for your help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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