boring machines

How quick are the hand driven mortising machines? I am in a frenzy, picking out all of my new (old) tools, and would like to purchase one, avoiding the noise and cost of a chain mortiser. Anyone recommend this? Anyone still use them? I see that jim rogers has a number of them for sale, at reasonable prices. Also, how do people feel about james swan chisels?

I think every timberframer should have a boring machine, even if it ends up on the shelf. They are almost as fast as a 1/2" drill, and so much more fun...