More than anything, starting off with sharp chisels will make more
difference in cutting ease than the machine itself IMHO. I have the Delta
and with the new chisels fresh out of the box, it cut so so. Using the
inexpensive LeeValley sharpening cone and polishing the 4 out side edges,
the machine and sharp chisels cut like a hot knife through butter. Just
like any other new chisels, these chisels need to be sharpened properly also
before an easy clean cut can be made. That said, if the PM has a longer arm
to engage the chisel into the wood it may seem to cut easier than the
competition.




"Larry C in Auburn, WA" wrote in message
newsicNb.65971$na.38841@attbi_s04...
I understand the Powermatic (719A?) mortiser is a beefy machine that is
very
easy to use. No question there. My question is whether this mortiser
makes
the actual cutting of the mortise easier and if so why? So, after setting
up the board and the machines are turned on and the handle is pulled, is
there a difference in the cutting? I know the Powermatic has a bigger
motor, but the actual cutting consists of two parts; one part is to cut
the
round hole with the bit and the second part is with the chisel. I would
think that even the Jet/Delta mortiser would be able to cut the round hole
just as easily as the Powermatic. If this assumption is true then it
comes
down to the cutting of the square sides with the chisel. Since this is
all
done with human power, why would the Powermatic be any easier to cut? Is
it
any easier? Maybe my assumption about the JET/Delta being able to drill
the
round hole just as easily is wrong? I assume the Powermatic must be
easier
to cut with since you can even go up to a 1" mortise. For an extra $500 I
expect the Powermatic should both be easier to set up (which it is) and
easier to cut (which I'm asking).

I'd like to hear from any of you that have used a benchtop mortiser AND
the
Powermatic. I appreciate all of you probably love the tool you bought so
I
don't need to hear that you love your JET but have never used the
Powermatic, or that you love your Delta but have never used the
Powermatic,
or ...

Thanks in advance!!
--
Larry C in Auburn, WA