Mortising machine drills rectangular or square holes in any piece of timber or wood stock. The drill bit and square hollow chisel in the mortise work simultaneously for clean and accurate cutting. The drill bit will remove the waste while at the same time the chisel pares both the corners and edges away.
You can apply the following hints for optimal performance. Most top quality mortises have rollers that tightly hold your work-piece against the fence. Use a few Magwitch MagJigs to give your mortising machine this work-holding ability. Place a pair of MagJigs against the cast-iron base and the magnetic ends will secure your work-piece on the fence. To create the optimal cutting geometry, ensure that the depth stop is drilling 0.125-inches deeper than the tenon’s length. You should also lubricate the machine’s moving parts to reduce metal-on-metal friction for long-term durability and performance.
Bestseller Mortising Machines On Amazon:
List Of 5 Best Mortising Machine Reviews in 2023:
#5. Powermatic 1791264K Model 719T Tilt Table Mortising Machine with Stand
By: Powermatic Mortising Machines
Powermatic 1791264K mortiser features a strong and durable cast-iron construction with a 1 HP motor. You can rely on this unit to perform optimally even on demanding mortising jobs. The heavy rack-and-pinion gear system includes a spring-loaded, six-position, and an adjustable handle. It also has a gas-filled shock that provides smoother movement. The head has adjustable jibs for easy maintenance to provide years of easy service. The mortiser also features a large wooden table with 20.25×7-inches dimensions. This further provides you with plenty of support and it adjusts to every angle from 0-30 degrees.
You can also use the large hand wheel controls to move the table forwards, backward, and left to right. The adjustable flip-down stop and linear stops provide precise repetition. Quick-adjust clamp allows for work-holding force and swivels to support angled work-pieces. Store your chisels and accessories inside the sturdy enclosed steel cabinet. The unit also has a hinged access door that offers easy access and quick bits replacement. Your purchase has a 5-year warranty for your peace of mind.
Reasons to buy
- Sturdy and durable
- Large adjustable table
- Powerful motor
- Work stop for repeat cut
- Smooth operation
- Six position feed lever
#4. Makita 7104L 10.5 Amp Chain Mortising Machine
By: Makita Mortising Machines
Makita 7104L Chain mortiser features a 10.5 AMP motor that provides you with a drilling speed of 3200RPM. This allows you to cut lap joints through thick wood stock up to 5.125-inches quickly. Sharp chain design allows for accurate and clean cutting. The large adjustable vise and knob enable the unit to attach firmly onto logs between 3.125-inches and 12.125-inches thick. Quick-adjust tension knob makes it easy to adjust the sliding rear clamp width to meet your specific mortising needs. Use the clamp tension lever to tighten the hold on the log. Adjust the plunge depth in 0.125-inch increments. The cutting line indication plate further allows you to position the log accurately to prevent unintentional cuts.
You can also use the quick horizontal chain lever to increase the width of the holes. The adjustable chain tension cover has a snap-action design for easy and quick access. The sturdy plastic boots keep the twin steel rails safe for long-term durability and performance. You can also access the carbon brushes externally for easier serviceability. The unit weighs just 38.1lbs and has a built-in carrying handle that allows for greater portability. It also has a 100cc oil supply that keeps the unit well lubricated for optimal cutting results. Your purchase includes one-year parts and labor warranty for quality control.
Reasons to buy
- Powerful motor
- Light and portable
- Highly adjustable for versatility
- Razor-sharp chain
- Externally accessible brushes
#3. Shop Fox W1671 ¾ HP Heavy-duty Mortising Machine
By: Shop Fox Mortising Machines
Shop Fox W1671 mortising machine features a powerful ¾ HP fully enclosed fan-cooled motor with an aluminum-finned housing. This allows you to operate this unit for long periods without overheating. The spindle has a fast turning speed of 3450 RPM, which makes it easy to drill through hard and softwood. Super-fast direct-drive operation enables quick mortises to reduce the cutter’s contact time with the wood, thereby, preventing heat build-up. This will prevent the wood from burning and maintain your cutters and bits in a sharp condition for longer. You further can use this mortise to cut holes up to 4.5-inches deep and the chisel travels a maximum of 4.75-inches.
The headstock also includes doors on either side, which allows fast chisel changes. This unit supports chisels with 5/8-inches or ¾-inches shank sizes. It also works with wood stock with a maximum 8-inch width and 7-3/8-inch thickness. The mortise has a unique swiveling base feature that allows for mortising larger, longer, and wider stock. It is easy to set up this feature, which will enable easy off the bench operations. The unit has a heavy-duty cast iron base construction with a 6×16-inch table that provides solid work-peace support and stability. Both the cast iron base and heavy-duty fence prevent unwanted wood movement and potential stuck-chisels.
Reasons to buy
- Paddle safety switch
- Micro-adjustable fence
- Gas spring return
- Adjustable depth stop rod
- Durable and heavy-duty design
#2. Powermatic 1791310 PM701 ¾ HP Benchtop Mortising Machines
By: Powermatic Mortising Machines
Powermatic PM701 Benchtop Mortiser has a heavy iron cast construction with a large base, which eliminates unintentional wood movement. The unit also includes an in-line depth stop that enables you to stop at the preset depth. You do not require any tools to move the heavy-duty handle on either direction. Stock hold-down has a unique double lock system design for tighter stock support. One of the double locks will lock from the top and the other from the side. This prevents any spillage while extracting the chisel from your workpiece. You can also reverse the hold-down to capture up to 5-inch thick stock underneath it.
Powermatic PM701 further features a ¾ HP 115V motor with a 1725 RPM running speed and a ½-inch chuck capacity. The mortise has a quick-action cam lock, which locks the fence quickly with a single 90-degrees movement. It also includes lock nuts that keep the lock in place. You, therefore, do not have to adjust this lock continuously. The mortise has a built-in chisel and a bit spacer system. This allows for quick and accurate spacing when setting up the chisel and bit. Large fence and table work surfaces provide you with more stability for accurate cuts. Use the Rack and Pinion for fast and simple fence adjustments. The mortise also has a big-hinged chuck door that includes a built-in magnetic catch. You can easily access the chuck with the 4-inch Chuck key. Your purchase further has a 1-year warranty for your peace of mind.
Reasons to buy
- Durable and heavy-duty design
- Quality control warranty
- Quick and easy setup
- Stable and accurate cuts
- Large working space
#1. Jet Bench Mortising Machines ½ HP, 120V, ½ inch Cap
By: Jet Mortising Machines
Jet Bench Mortiser has a powerful 0.5 HP motor that runs at 1725 RPM and supports a 0.5-inch chuck capacity. This allows for easy and quick mortising. The unit also includes a removable toggle switch that protects against unwanted or accidental tool use. A large, adjustable mortising handle enables feeder handle readjustment for simpler operation and accurate handle positioning. The three-jaw drill chuck further maintains a tight grip on the bits and supports shanks with a maximum 3/8-inch diameter. The rack-and-pinion head is highly adjustable for the accurate cutting control.
Jet Bench Mortiser further features a heavy-duty steel and cast iron construction that provides stability and long-term durability. Not only is this mortise sturdy but it is also easily maneuverable at just 44 pounds. The base has reverses that allow the mortise to accommodate longer stock. The head stroke is 4/75-inches long, which enables deep drilling. Chuck has dual steel doors that open with a simple flip-up. This makes it easy for you to switch the bits. The 4-inch chuck key protects your knuckles from scraping or banging when changing the mortise bits. Jet Bench Mortiser also includes a 5-year limited warranty to guarantee quality control.
Reasons to buy
- Sturdy and portable
- Stable and accurate drilling
- Powerful and fast motor
- Highly adjustable for versatility
- 5-year warranty.
Key features to consider for mortising machines:
Cutting power
A mortising machine with a powerful motor, sharp bits, and chisels will quickly finish the drilling job and save time. Sharp cutting tools provide you with accurate cuts and prevent “stuck chisels”. Cutting tools like drill bits should also be easy to replace or sharpen for lasting durability and optimal drilling results.
Size and weight
If an item is large, it will take up much space in the room leaving you with limited operating space. A heavy mortiser will provide you with more stability but it will have little maneuverability. You should therefore ensure that the mortiser has the ideal weight that meets your mortising requirements.
Durability
The mortising machine should also be able to hold heavy stock without bending or breaking down. Part replacements and repairs will cost you extra money. You will also waste time since you cannot continue your woodworking with a broken down mortiser. It is, therefore, advisable to ensure the mortiser has a heavy-duty construction with quality parts for long-term durability.
Adjustability
You will need the mortising machine to support a wide variety of wood stock sizes. The mortiser should also be capable of making different size holes. It is, therefore, necessary for your mortiser to be highly adjustable to accommodate all kinds of stock and cutting sizes. The mortising machine must also keep the settings to eliminate continuous adjustments.
Working space
A small table and fence on a mortising machine will leave you with minimal working space. This will exhaust you quickly and cause you to make unwanted cuts or even injure yourself. You should, therefore, ensure that the size of both the table and fence is appropriate for your specific mortising needs.
Can you use a mortising machine as a drill press?
A mortising machine can also work as a drill press. This comes in handy when you don’t have access to the latter and would like mortising. However, it’s not straightforward to use it and some modifications will be required. This is because the machines work differently and also are very specific. For instance, the stock has lesser space in comparison to a drill press. This limits movements and control.
The most common way of making the mortise work as a drill press is to use a drill press attachment on the mortising machine. With good skills and care, it should deliver good results. Nevertheless, it does require some skill to do it right. Also, it will have some limitations when it comes to the range or scope. This modification saves time if you lack a drill press. Also, it saves you money since you won’t need to purchase the accessory.
What is the best mortise machine?
The best mortise machine is easy to use. You don’t need to be a specialist or expert to use it. Also, it comes in a simple design and doesn’t take up lots of space. This suits it even for small workshops. Another good thing about the device is that it’s very versatile and will deliver different kinds of mortises. Changing the depth, width, speed is also easy and straightforward.
A good product comprises tough materials and solid engineering. It will endure the operation well and also requires minimal maintenance. Also, the item remains stable during use, delivers very accurate, and professional results. Popular companies when it comes to the best mortising machine in the market include Delta, Powermatic, RIKON, Shop Fox, and Jet.
What does mortising mean?
Mortising simply means cutting a groove or notch on the edge/side or surfaces of a flat panel. The notch will be cubical and uniform all through. It will appear as a square-shaped valley. Thereafter, you cut a tenon, which is the opposite of the mortise. While in the mortise, the region is sunken, in a tendon, it is raised and looks like a narrow square-like ridge.
The mortise acts as the male while the tenon is female. Joining the two-piece tighter provides a firm strong connection. It also makes the work look neater since you don’t have to use glues, nails, or any other kind of fasteners. Traditionally, mortising was done using basic tools such as a chisel, a mallet, or a hammer. However, nowadays, we have a mortising machine that works faster, is easier to operate, and also delivers uniform results. It’s also consistent and varying the depth, width, design, is much easier.
Conclusion
If you are a professional furniture maker or just enjoy recreational woodworking, then you require a quality-mortising machine. The ideal mortising machine provides you with the ability to drill holes through your wood stock quickly and with ease. Use this mortising machines review as your guide.
Contents
- Bestseller Mortising Machines On Amazon:
- List Of 5 Best Mortising Machine Reviews in 2023:
- #5. Powermatic 1791264K Model 719T Tilt Table Mortising Machine with Stand
- #4. Makita 7104L 10.5 Amp Chain Mortising Machine
- #3. Shop Fox W1671 ¾ HP Heavy-duty Mortising Machine
- #2. Powermatic 1791310 PM701 ¾ HP Benchtop Mortising Machines
- #1. Jet Bench Mortising Machines ½ HP, 120V, ½ inch Cap
- Key features to consider for mortising machines:
- Can you use a mortising machine as a drill press?
- What is the best mortise machine?
- What does mortising mean?
- Conclusion