Shop Fox - W1671 3/4 HP Heavy-duty Mortising Machine (Rating: 4)

Ok, I admit it, I am a tool junkie. What I lack in skill I make up in tool savvy. That said I have never owned a mortise machine so take that into consideration when putting any value to this review. I did do some serious research before buying as this will be my last tool for a while as my wife has threaten to cave my skull in with a cast iron frying pan while I sleep if I buy any more. Let's get to the heart of the matter; The Shop Fox is inexpensive. I paid $245 + $44 shipping at Grizzly thru Amazon. (And wouldn't you know it I found it the next day on the shelf at a local store for $239.00. Go figure!) Every review I read before buying mentioned at least one complaint. Mostly to do with low quality fasteners, poor finish on the casting or low quality paint. Yet almost everyone gave this mortise machine pretty high marks. The reason: This tool works well and judging from reviews of other manufactures, it does the job better than most. Sure, you see one out of a few reviews really punking it down. But I figure if you buy a Toyota and you find it doesn't handle like a Mercedes Benz you have no right to complain. I had a few pieces of hardwood laying around that the locals call swamp oak. Very hard stuff. Brutal to drive a nail thru. I could not make this mortise choke down on this stuff. The bit and chisel set up that came with the machine works well. Ran a few holes in soft pine and it did not crush the edges of the mortise. But I do suspect that the bit is low quality and will need to be replaced with extended use. Yes, the table is very cheap but hey, I might be able to talk my wife into letting me buy another tool to make a better one! All in all, I am satisfied with the machine and it will be a great help making those kitchen cabinets I have been promising my wife for the last five years.