Seems like there is no overwhelming feeling that the Powermatic actually
cuts any easier. As I said in my OP I know the Powermatic is easier to use
(set up), but I was questioning whether the actual cutting of mortises is
any easier. Most posts had no opinion one way or the other, one said it
wasn't any easier and one said it was. So my unscientific conclusion has to
be that the Powermatic is much easier to set up, but doesn't necessarily
make the cutting any easier. If it does cut easier it doesn't seem to be a
huge difference over a benchtop model. Thanks for all the replies!

If anyone cares, while I think it would be very cool to have the Powermatic
(or a General) I think I'll have to save the extra $500 for another tool and
just get a benchtop mortiser.

Thanks again.
--
Larry C in Auburn, WA

"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