I lack the experience and knowledge of most on this board, but I have posted all my work Ive completed over the past year or so.
I used the drill press attachment for over 1000 mortises.(a few hundred in difficult hardwoods like ipe, and my tabletop drill press had no problem)
I find setup is like anything else, changing over blades in my bandsaw, etc....its just time. It would be nice to have a dedicated mortiser, maybe someday, but at the time, I never thought Id be making much that would call for so many mortises.
I find the delta mortiser attachment to be top notch, for 79 bucks, its been the most time saving piece of equipment as far as bang for the buck goes as Ive ever owned.
Im sure dedicated machines give you more depth on cut, and more power, but I dont have a single complaint about the attachment.
Id love to have 3 tablesaws also.(and Tods radial arm saw besides)
IF youre going to cut a few and only a few, a drill press and bit with a hand chisel will be quick enough work.
If youre going to cut a few dozen a month, think about an attachment for the drill press, (delta throws in 3 chisels and bits, all for 79 bucks)
If youre going to be cutting a few hundred a month, Id go for a dedicated mortiser.
I always weigh the amount of use a piece of equipment will get to justify its cost.
I will buy a dedicated mortiser eventually, only to have the convience of having a dedicated machine, but for now, I think Delta came up with an outstanding alternative, and I give them credit for the fabulous price.