The mortise machine was packaged in a large brown box enclosed in Styrofoam and plastic wrap. The machine was a little tricky to get set up, some assembly was required, and the assembly instructions were not that good. But if you take your time, you can have it up and running in about 30 minutes. It comes with 3 different chisels, which are pretty accurate and cut fairly well. The machine also NEEDS to be mounted to a solid table or workstand. My "test cut" the machine was not mounted securely and wanted to tip some. The mortise machine is quiet, and when doing a mortise cut, it sheers the sides of the cut while drilling really well. Make sure the fences, and work piece holders are securely fastened. All in all it is a nice machine.