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DELTA 14-651 Professional 1/2HP Bench Mortising Machine
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Average customer review:
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #11499 in Home Improvement
- Brand: DELTA
- Model: 14-651
- Dimensions: 16.38" h x 18.63" w x 22.38" l, 77.00 pounds
Features
- Professional bench mortising machine with 180-degree rotating head column and adjustable dovetail option
- Rack-and-pinion system engages and releases the head
- Stable 16-3/4-inch-by-13-1/2-inch cast-iron base with two-piece 2-15/16-inch-tall safety fence
- Measures 22.4 X 18.6 X 16.4 inches; weighs 77 pounds
- Includes mortising machine, four mortising chisels and bits; 3/8-inch capacity chuck and key.
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Product Description
Easy to set up and operate, the Delta 14-651 1/2-Horsepower Mortiser is specially designed for the professional user and includes a multi-position hand lever and rotating mortising head for tricky off-table projects. Capable of punching smooth mortises in a range of stock--including hardwoods--this professional bench mortising machine is a must-have addition to any shop.
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 Multi-position hand lever provides the extra torque needed to mortise especially hard woods. |
 Heavy-duty cast-iron base provides stability and control. View larger |
Setting up the 14-651 is a breeze thanks to features such as the easy-access 3/8-inch-capacity drill chuck and adjustable rack-and-pinion fence. A height attachment increases the mortiser's capacity by 1-3/4 inch, and if you still need more height, you can simply turn the 14-651's head 180 degrees to mortise off-table.
Engaging and releasing via an efficient rack-and-pinion system, the 14-651's head features an adjustable dovetail option for intricate jobs. The lever locks down and is long enough to provide that extra torque you need to mortise especially hard woods.
Robust Motor Guarantees Professional Results
Powered by a 1/2-horsepower, 120-volt, 60-hertz, single-phase induction motor, the 14-651 produces smooth-sided, burn-feed results. The mortiser features a feed speed of 1,725 RPM and a multi-position feed lever for matching the correct position to the job.
Additionally, the adjustable depth stop locks down, so you don't have to worry about cutting too deep, and a chuck key/hex wrench simplifies bit and chisel changing.
Stable and Sturdy for Tough Jobs
Stable and sturdy, this machine measures 22.4 x 18.6 x 16.4 inches (WxHxD), weighs 77 pounds, and includes a heavy-duty 16-3/4-inch by 13-1/2-inch cast-iron base with center through hole, as well as a two-piece safety fence.
Backed by a five-year warranty, the 14-651 arrives with a tool-and-chisel tray, a multi-position feed level, and a gas-filled head stabilizer for smooth, steady operation. Also, four mortise chisels and bits in 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, and 1/2-inch increments are included, so you have everything you need to get started.
What's in the Box
Mortiser; 3/8-inch-capacity chuck and key; four mortising chisels and bits; tool-and-chisel holder; and riser block.
From the Manufacturer
DELTA 14-651 Professional 1/2 Horsepower Bench Mortising Machine
Customer Reviews
Very good mortiser
I've just unpacked, assembled and tested this machine. Here's my two cents - packing was great, smothered in styrofoam and unpainted parts bathed in oil. Cleaned up easily. Instructions were well written and assembly took about 45 minutes. I bought this based on a woodworking magazine review as an upgrade for my the Delta drill press mortising attachment. Since I've been doing more mission style furniture lately its worth it to have a more substantial machine. This machine earned the excellent reviews by being well designed and constructed. The rack & pinion fence alone is worth the little bit more that you will pay for this tool. The first mortises I cut were 1/2"x1-1/4"x2"long in white oak and were smooth sided and burn free. The 1745 rpm speed slows your feedrate but pays a big dividend in a quality mortise. Don't buy it unless you have enough mortises to justify it but if you do you will be pleased with this machine. I wonder how many biscuit joiners and dedicated hollow chisel mortising machines have been sold because "Norm" introduced us to them?
Smooth, Solid, and Stable
Having used the new Delta mortiser for two weeks now, I am relatively pleased with the machine. The cast iron table and fence are extremely solid. The depth adjust is sound and stays locked down so you don't have to worry about cutting too deep. Bit changes are simple and your knuckles are safe. The sliding dovetail way makes it easy to adjust the resistance in the head travel to your liking. The lever locks down solid and is plenty long to get that extra torque you need to start a mortis in those real hard woods. The bits supplied with the machine have worked well to punch smooth mortises in everything from red oak to gancalo alves and cocobolo.
My only negative comment is the loss in sturdiness of the device when you install the 2" column lift. This raises the fence off the table and you lose some of the stability in the machine. This can be fixed with some blocks under the fence, but then you must sacrifice the ease of fence adjustment. Other than that, this Delta product has lived up to it's name and has been a solid addition to my shop that I would recommend to anyone. I can't imagine cutting mortises by hand anymore.
A bit disappointed...
After looking at the Jet and Grizzly mortisers, I decided on the Delta based on my experience with their portable planer (22-580). Assembly was not difficult, although as already mentioned, the hydraulic cylinder is tricky to attach. There are a couple of areas that I think need improvement:
1. The fence hold down knobs are plastic and strip easily. Although the hold down adjuster is metal, it too stripped the first time I attempted to use it. Now it is difficult to get locked down.
2. When you use the riser block (a pain to attach in the first place), you loose the ability to lock down the fence to the table. These lock downs have to be removed completely, which allows the fence/hold down to move up and down. I need to mortise a 5" beam, so I had to use the riser block. If you are only mortising thinner material (I would guess about 4" and less), then you don't need to riser block and you don't encounter this problem.
3. When inserting the chisel bit, there is not an index so you can set the chisel parallel to the fence. This is annoying as it takes some trial and error to get it set nice and parallel.
4. The depth stop is weak and flexs a lot. I don't have great confidence in the depth stop and will replace it with something else soon (don't know what yet, probably a collar and rod).
The machine is powerful, and built heavy. The base is heavy duty cast iron, as are the rest of the support structure. It does cut decently in Red Oak. I think that the chisels that are supplied with the machine are marginal (the 1/2" bit I have is very noisy, probably not straight, but the 3/8" is quiet). I will get a better quality bit for fine furniture. So, overall it cuts square holes, but in my honest opinion, it is the first piece of machinery from Delta that I have purchased that I am not thrilled about. I would look elsewhere if I had to do it again (although the other brands may have similar issues). The planer on the other hand is awesome!
