Harbor Freight Mortising Machine

[lwhughes149]

Could I get an opinion on Harbor Freight's Central Machinery Mortising machine? It sells for $130.00 and cuts 3/8", 1/2", and 1/4". I have a HF 1hp dust collector and have had no problems with it. I see mortising machines running between $250.00 and above. I would put it on my Christmas list for $130. Thoughts please? Lorraine

[Canuck]

Here is the link, Lorraine.

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/tls/

I, for one, thought that you bought the ShopFox mortiser off of the CL link that I sent last nite. Am I wrong?

BTW..........If you watch Craigslist, there are a few good deals out there....but generally you need to act fast.

Wayne

[DaveO]

Originally Posted by lwhughes149

I bought the one from Dave, thanks for the post.

Lorraine, there was nothing negative about Craig's List, it's a good thing. A much better source for good deals than E-bay because it's mostly local buyers and sellers.
Don't you know that there is only one Dave around here
I am glad that you got a good deal, and a good piece of machinery that will be a pleasure to use instead of potentially frustrating. Woodworking is so much more fun when things work the way they're supposed to


Dave

[lwhughes149]

You were correct Wayne, I did buy the machine from Dave who lives in Northern Raleigh who has a different last name from the Dave we all know so I sorry to disappoint our Dave, he isn't the only Dave, but that is how it goes sometimes. Thanks for the link to the list. I have purchased a few items from Ebay but not woodworking tools. I like to keep my money close to home. Can't wait to get the mortising machine, trying to work out the delivery details now.
BTY, have I ever come to this site and not been able to solve my problem or find something I needed? Never Thanks I for one would cry if this site were to disappear.
Lorraine

[garymuto]

I bought the HF Mortiser for $99. It uses larger diameter chisels, but you can get similar ones from General or CMT. The OEM chisels need sharpening, otherwise it works OK, doubles as a drill press too, if needed.
The hold down is no good, but most other entry level mortisers are as bad. I found it to be quiet as long as the drill bit to chisel gap is set OK.
The worst feature is the wimpy lever arm that is hollow instead of solid. It will likely need to be replaced some day.
I would buy it again for $100. I would buy a jet or Delta for $150 if I could, they are usually $200+.
Good luck

[lwhughes149]

Dear Gary, I got a ShopFox, used, for $129.00. I haven't had an opportunity to use it yet but it appears to be, for the, the top of the line for a small time woodworker. I am always looking for a bargain. Thanks DaveO. Lorraine

[garymuto]

That's great. I was unable to locate any deals on a used mortiser when I looked. Enjoy!