I own and use Makita tf tools, I am impressed by the tools quality and am very concerned by the grey market status. I had a 13" saw in service and it sat unused due to a repair issue. I liked the saw but lack of support would be a crucial negative in any future purchase plans.

I hope Makita or Hitachi will bring professional tf tools to the North American market, it's a continental market that is growing.

E.H., the chisel mortiser is, in my view, perfect for Japanese style work where detailed work needs to be done inside the mortise, not very good for high speed mortising and no good for dry hardwoods.