I bought a mortiser (older model powermatic 719)

[Dan_Shade]

 

 

It's depth stop is different from the newer ones, it's the first thing on the list to fix. 

I made a nice through mortise in a scrap piece of pine. 

My wife was not impressed  because it only Drills a square hole. I didn't have a good rebuttal for that one....   

[Dan_Shade]

 

 

 

[JV]

You will really appreciate it the more you use it.  I used a friend's and they sure beat my drill press attachment.

[chet]

As we were unloading my new mortiser off the truck, the puzzled driver asked me 'what is a Mor-tis-er'.  I told him it's for drilling square holes. Obviously irritated he replied, "If ya don't want ta tell me that's fine"   :D   Sometime later that same driver made another delivery to me. I took him out ta da shop and demonstrated drilling a square hole. We both had a good laugh.  ;D

[firefighter ontheside]

That looks heavy.  Much more so than my Delta.

[Bruno of NH]

That's a nice setup
Looks in great shape

[DR Buck]

That looks heavy.  Much more so than my Delta.

I agree.  I have a 1hp Delta that doesn't look as beefy as the Powermatic.   I picked mine up new in the box at an auction for about $60 with one bit.   I think a new set of 4 sizes cost me another $80.

[terrifictimbersllc]

I've got the same one (Powermatic). It's got all the adjustments, mass and power and gets the job done, though it's not that refined.  Trying to keep the chisel from burning is the main game with it. 

[lquist]

I'm wondering if you know how this older mortiser compares to the current benchtop 701 model, and the 719T floor model. It looks like the prior 719A which was a floor standing model with XY table but no tilt.
You mentioned the depth stops- what did you do to change them?
Do you have a manual for this machine? I am considering buying one in a private sale and am concerned with lack of available documentation on the machine. 
Thanks
Tom

[Kindlinmaker]

I have a 719T and it quickly became one of my favorite tools. All of the gizmos and fastening systems available just don't measure up to the real McCoy. It makes M&Ts easy and perfect. You'll become very attached to it!

Iquist - Bring a friend when you move it. It is heavier than it looks but all that mass is what allows it to work so well. 

[Dan_Shade]

I haven't used the one that I have very much, but I do like using it.  Much more efficient than the drill press attachment that I used to use. 

I'm not sure about parts availability.  

I don't have a manual for it. It's a pretty simple machine, there are several good youtube videos on setting them up.  I think the most important thing is to have the bit extending past the chisel a little bit.  I use a nickel to set up this space.  If the bit is too close to the chisel, it gets really hot. 

I haven't done anything with the depth stops, I've learned how to pay attention to the depth stop while using it.