Hello All, first post. I've been reading your forums for a few days now. From what I've seen, this seems like an excellent discussion forum for folks with a range of skills and tool-sets.
I am a (more-than-novice, but still) amateur wood-worker. My projects are usually related to home restoration/repair and the occasional furniture project. I've got windows on my current agenda.
I've never had a whole lot of money for expensive tools, but this gives me an excellent appreciation for quality and features, when I finally do have the cash to upgrade.
That said... I've got a Benchtop Mortising Machine... and it came from Harbor Freight. :blink: In my price range, there did not appear to be much increase in quality or features if I went with a Delta. Grizzly just significantly raised their prices, so here I am...
Anyway, the motor, frame, chuck, plunge mechanism are all quite solid and tight. I think should last through my new few projects. However, the fence and hold-down are absolutely awful. They actually interfere with the mortising bit. I've added a supplementary wooden fence, but it seems like there should be some better options.
Does anyone have any suggestions for a fence/hold-down upgrade? I'm not experienced enough with power mortising to know what features can and should be added.
Thanks for any suggestions
I am a (more-than-novice, but still) amateur wood-worker. My projects are usually related to home restoration/repair and the occasional furniture project. I've got windows on my current agenda.
I've never had a whole lot of money for expensive tools, but this gives me an excellent appreciation for quality and features, when I finally do have the cash to upgrade.
That said... I've got a Benchtop Mortising Machine... and it came from Harbor Freight. :blink: In my price range, there did not appear to be much increase in quality or features if I went with a Delta. Grizzly just significantly raised their prices, so here I am...
Anyway, the motor, frame, chuck, plunge mechanism are all quite solid and tight. I think should last through my new few projects. However, the fence and hold-down are absolutely awful. They actually interfere with the mortising bit. I've added a supplementary wooden fence, but it seems like there should be some better options.
Does anyone have any suggestions for a fence/hold-down upgrade? I'm not experienced enough with power mortising to know what features can and should be added.
Thanks for any suggestions