In article DicNb.65971$na.38841@attbi_s04,
Larry C in Auburn, WA wrote:
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?

My previous mortiser was a Delta benchtop and I now have a General
75-075 which is pretty much equivalent to the Powermatic. I can't say
I feel a big difference in how it cuts on the downward stroke. I honed
the chisels on both mortisers to a high polish which is really the key
to easy cutting.

The two places where you really notice the difference between a benchtop
and one of the bigger models are the hold down and in speed. The bigger
units use a clamp for a hold down that is rock solid so there's no
binding when removing the chisel. The moving tables with adjustable
stops make it very fast - especially when doing multiples. Once you get
the stops set you can fly through a bunch of identical stiles.

My mortises aren't any better with the bigger unit, it's just a lot
faster and more pleasant to use.

--
Scott Post http://home.insightbb.com/~sepost/