Has Anyone Used HF Mortiser

[phrog]

Thinking of buying a HF Mortiser and wonder if anyone out there has used one and what you think of it? How does it compare to Jet or Delta? Thanks.
phrog

[jnesmith]

I have not used the HF mortiser, or any other for that matter. However, I was wandering around our new local HF yesterday, and checked out the mortiser. I was unimpressed, to say the least. It just felt sloppy and very poorly machined. I was convinced that I would be better off sticking to my usual method - Forstner bit in a drill press and clean up with a chisel.

[LCHIEN]

they reviewed it a couple of years ago in the WW magazines and they said it ranked low among the users for fit finish and overall feel (felt sloppy and imprecise).
The Delta and Jet came out much higher ranked.

[dkhoward]

THe HF mortiser is an unpolished gem in my opinion. I have one and have used it extensively and it has done everything I have asked of it. However, that said, I have to say that I did do a lot of tweaking on it to get it where it is.

First, throw away the chisels that come with the machine and buy a good set of chisels and a sharpening set.

Second, rebuild the table and the work clamp. That is where most of the slop and play is anyway. I also extended the handle on mine to get a bit more leverage.

For the money, I think it is a good tool. It certainly isn't production shop quality but for a home hobby shop it is worth what it costs when on sale.

[Popeye]

THe HF mortiser is an unpolished gem in my opinion. I have one and have used it extensively and it has done everything I have asked of it. However, that said, I have to say that I did do a lot of tweaking on it to get it where it is.

First, throw away the chisels that come with the machine and buy a good set of chisels and a sharpening set.

Second, rebuild the table and the work clamp. That is where most of the slop and play is anyway. I also extended the handle on mine to get a bit more leverage.

For the money, I think it is a good tool. It certainly isn't production shop quality but for a home hobby shop it is worth what it costs when on sale.

How about posting some pictures of your mods Dennis. I'd like to get mine tweaked before I need it again. Thanks Pat

[jarhead]

How about posting some pictures of your mods Dennis. I'd like to get mine tweaked before I need it again. Thanks Pat

Pat,
Sorry for jumping in, but you may also want to check out these mods.

[Knottscott]

The HF mortiser works. It's not as nice as those costing 2-3x, but it works and works fairly well IMO. The hold down needs help, but the basic mechanism is fine. Fit and finish make no difference to the square hole.

Easily worth the $100 asking price for occasional use, but I wouldn't pay more.

[beetee3]

Does the job

Here's another thumbs up in favor of the HF mortiser. Sure, the fence & hold-down assembly leaves something to be desired. For the price it is certainly worthy of a place in this weekend wood butchers shop. Note that there are at least two variations on the HF mortiser sold at the same price. As far as I know the variations are just cosmetic.

[Pappy]

One of them takes an odd sized chisel.

[dkhoward]

Pat, as soon as I dig it out from under the excess junk in that end of my shop I will be glad to send you some pics . . .

[LinuxRandal]

First, throw away the chisels that come with the machine and buy a good set of chisels and a sharpening set.

Couple of questions.
1. Can you please reccomend some good chisels? (I am assuming you mean the square part surronding the drill bit)

2. Has anyone tried these, by adapting an old drill press? (may have another opportunity for a floor drill press, so it seems like a great idea for the old Atlas drill press).

3. Thanks!!!!!