Comments on: Tool Test: New Mortiser from General International

By: matekin

matekin — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:30:57 +0000

Thanks again to another fine review. This is the only model I had no info on until this review and this has helped me finalize my decision to purchase the Powermatic PM701 benchtop mortiser. It is just as robust with heavy duty castings, but has a 3/4hp motor vs. 1/2hp motor, a rack and pinion fence adjustment w/locking hold downs and a simple one piece door to give you easy access to the drill chuck. There are also other nice features as well.

The less expensive mortisers just don’t have the heavy duty build of both this model and the Powermatic. I looked at them all.

By: Mitch Wilson

Mitch Wilson — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 17:04:05 +0000

How does this compare to the floor model Powermatic that Bob has at Connecticut Valley School of Woodworking? For example, the floor model has the sliding work table, which is convenient but may not be necessary. And you definitely were down on the drill press attachments, one of which I have (for my General Int. floor model).

By: tsstahl

tsstahl — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 13:30:23 +0000

I’ve done the loose tenon thing, then moved on to the drill bit and chisel. Last year I picked up a couple vintage mortise chisels from Patrick Leach(sp?), but have only had time to play with them.

I’ve been eyeing the powermatic benchtop mortiser, but freely admit that I have no idea how to judge good from bad in mortise machines.