HF mortiser: 37505

[jwaterdawg]

Does anyone here have specifically the 37505 version of the HF mortise machine? I have the chance to get one on clearance+20% off (~$72). Is it worth it? Or should I hold out until the Jet (JBM-5) or Delta (MM300) go back on sale at Amazon?

[LCHIEN]

I get the feeling that the fit, finish, and construction of the jet or delta is much better than the HF. But they cost at least twice as much...
do you believe in you get what you pay for?

[bmyers]

Depends on how much I was going to use it. If you're making a new bedroom set of Stickley, you might want the nicer mortisers. You'll be doing alot of decorative mortises.

If you're just making a few chairs that have M&T joints, in other words not decorative, just get the cheapie but it is HF.

For occasional use, I own one and it's fine for what I need. If I did it over again I would get a nice one. They are sort of therapy for me, you get going drilling square holes and get into a zone... I dunno, hard to explain. I'm always sad to do the last mortise.

Almost forgot my favorite WW advice "Buy once, Cry once"...

Bill

[jwaterdawg]

I get the feeling that the fit, finish, and construction of the jet or delta is much better than the HF. But they cost at least twice as much...
do you believe in you get what you pay for?

Yep, I believe in Santa Claus too. Seriously, thanks for bringing me to my senses. I was on the brink and very tempted by the price. That HF can be a dangerous place.

If I did it over again I would get a nice one.

Okay, I will hold out for the Jet or Delta.

[bmyers]

Hey, the Delta 14-651 Professional Bench Top Mortising Machine is $225 right now at Amazon-ate-all-my-money.com. Not too bad if you sign up for the amazon prime thing you could have it in a few days of free shipping..


Bill

[Stormbringer]

Hey, the Delta 14-651 Professional Bench Top Mortising Machine is $225 right now at Amazon-ate-all-my-money.com.
Bill

Was $105 at HDT last week for a few hours. If you watch their site, every now and again one will become available for one reason or another. Some people scored the ultra cheap delta planer this way. It's truly hit or miss. Good luck.



Delta 14-651 Mortiser *CLEARANCE*
Our Price: $105.00

[sdj]

HF Mortiser

jwaterdawg, What did you not like about the HF Mortiser?
I have used it on a limited basis, but after I sharpened my chisels using "scary sharp" and turned the "base around" so I could get a sliding vise to hold the stock, it seemed to work pretty good. I am just an amateur, with no experience with a "brand name machine"...

[Hank Scorpio]

Stormbringer, what's this HDT site?

[Knottscott]

I've got that HF unit and have been satisfied for the price. The hold down needs help, but they do on other machines too. It's the only HF machine I've allowed in the shop and it's really done a good job for me...even through 10/4 hard maple legs. $72 is a steal. Fit and finish don't cut square holes...bits and motors do. If I made my living from this I'd upgrade, but no need for my uses, and I can't see spending such a high percentage of my shop budget for that particular device....it's not as critical as a TS, blade, jointer, etc.

[Ken Weaver]

Stormbringer, what's this HDT site?

http://www.heavydutytools.net/Scripts/default.asp

[Hank Scorpio]

Thanks Ken