Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I can not rave enough about Amazon's service or the Powermatic 701 Mortising Machine.
I ordered this machine on March 15 and the web site reflected a new product that was on backorder.
Amazon's web site also told me the machine would be shipped and delivered between April 20 and May 8th. It arrived on the 14th of April in excellent condition.
The price with one of Amazon's special sale days, the supersavor shipping, and no sales tax made this machine very very competitive with the $200-$300 priced machines.
Six stars for Amazon.com!!!
This is one massive bench top machine. I use to own a Jet, which was a nice servicable little machine for the price, but it was very basic with a very basic table made of MDF.
I debated between the higher end Delta, the General Tilting Table Mortiser, and the Powermatic 701. I went with the Powermatic as I do not make slat back chairs and therefore did not need to have the tilting feature.
The Powermatic 701, while not made in the USA, is made in Taiwan. The workmanship is very good. The motor runs smoothly and the guides for raising the head and moving the table operate smoothly.
Speaking of the motor, it is 3/4 horsepower compared to the 1/2 horsepower that powers the others.
This machine did not bog down in any wood I have been able to test since receiving it.
The spacer fitting for the chisel and auger is a nice touch as is the round tool rest attached to the back of the machine for your other chisels. It comes with a polishing hone already attached, too!
It does require a metric hex wrench and 10mm metric wrench(and it would be nice if Powermatic would provide them with the machine)but most do-it-your-selfers usually have a set of metric and imperial wrenches, anyway.
If there is a nit to pick, the paint finish was so-so. It does not matter to me as I bought the machine to make mortises, and this machine does that with a vengence!
I also like the ability to open the one piece cowl all the way in order to install the chisel and auger. Much more access area than the General or the Delta. The Powermatic uses a magnet to hold the cowl closed. The cowl opens like the hood on a Corvette; You have lots of room to access the chuck and make your adjustments.
Runout on the chuck was almost non-existent, exceeding anything needed for wordworking.
The machine has a solid feel and does not move due to its almost 90+ pounds of cast Iron and steel.
The handle is reversible to the left side of the machine for southpaws.
The fence hold-down is reversible for larger boards.
The table rollers are a great addition which allows you to keep the board firmly against the fence, but immediately move it right or left to keep cutting your mortise.
(Rockler sells a similar MDF setup for the Jet Mortiser, but it is not as nice nor is it cheap!)
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Powermatic 1791310 PM701 3/4 Horsepower Bench MortiserIncludes PM701 3/4 HP Bench Top Deluxe Mortiser - 1791310, Chisel & Tool Holder w/ Sharpening Stone, 1/2-in Drill Chuck, 4-in Chuck Key, Removable Safety Switch Key
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