Bench Mortiser Reviews

Part 1:

## Introduction

The right tool at your disposal can make or break your woodworking project, and for professional woodworking tasks, mortising is crucial. Mortising is a crucial step that couches out wood, making room for joints. However, doing this by hand can be strenuous and time-consuming, hence the need for Bench Mortisers. We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide covering details of 10 Bench Mortisers fully reviewed. Each model will include the features, pros, cons, and a detailed breakdown, helping you make the best decision for your needs.

### Product 1: Powermatic 1791310 PM701 Bench Mortiser
The Powermatic Bench Mortiser stands out for its all-round solid performance. Well-suited for seasoned woodworkers and beginners alike, it’s renowned for its durability and effectiveness.

Pros:
– Robust 0.75 horsepower motor
– Well-built for heavy-duty tasks
– Delivers long-lasting performance

Cons:
– Might be large and hefty for some users
– A bit on the expensive side

Born out of Powermatic’s reputation for quality in making woodworking tools, this mortiser has a well-equipped 0.75 HP motor, adjustable swiveling handle, and reversible columns for added comfort and balance. With a weight of 93 lbs., it’s indeed a hefty machine that’s fit for heavy-duty tasks. With an adjustable in-line depth stop, it allows for continued drill operation. This powerhouse is most suitable for seasoned, professional woodworkers who prefer efficiency and durability. [Buy here](https://www.amazon.com/Powermatic-1791310-PM701-4-Horsepower-Mortiser/dp/B000BWCBPC)

### Product 2: JET 708580 Bench Mortiser
The JET 708580 Bench Mortiser is a dynamic, user-friendly, and versatile tool. Ideal for crafters and hobbyists seeking to execute their tasks with precision.

Pros:
– Contains a 0.5 horsepower motor
– Adjustability in features allows for a wide range of stock sizes
– Easy to assemble and operate

Cons:
– Some users might require additional force for heavy-duty tasks
– The instruction manual might be a little confusing for beginners

This machine demonstrates Jet’s commitment to top-quality design. Each vital component of this mortiser is crafted from solid cast iron, and it comes with adjustable Drill centerlines and head and fence pivot for handling odd-shaped stock sizes. Though it weighs 44 lbs., it’s not too heavy for a mortiser of its class, making it flexible for a novice woodworker. [Buy here](https://www.amazon.com/JET-708580-JBM-5-2-Horsepower-Mortiser/dp/B00006ANS3)

### Product 3: RIKON Professional Benchtop Mortiser
If you’re seeking power, duty, and efficiency bundled together, the Rikon Professional Benchtop Mortiser is your best bet. This tool is a worthy investment for professional woodworkers.

Pros:
– Solid 0.5 horsepower motor
– Great for home or commercial use
– Has a chisel holder

Cons:
– Some users found its weight (71 lbs.) a little ungainly
– Lacks mobile punch-thru stop

Rikon Professional Benchtop Mortiser is designed for the serious woodworker, offering a heavy-duty base, rack and pinion height adjustment and additional chisel holder. Despite its robust features and heavyweight at 71 lbs., it’s worth every penny for its outstanding efficiency and reliability. This machine is ideal for those in the commercial and heavy woodworking industry.[Buy here](https://www.amazon.com/Rikon-34-260-2-Horsepower-Benchtop-Mortiser/dp/B008BVEJBE)

### Product 4: Shop Fox W1671 Heavy-duty Mortising Machine
Designed for onerous woodworking tasks, the Shop Fox W1671 heavy-duty mortising machine assures potent workability and durability. This tool suits professionals demanding high performance.

Pros:
– Powerful 0.75 horsepower motor
– Comes with micro-adjustable fence
– Has an auto-reverse feature to enhance mortising

Cons:
– Some users reported difficulties while changing mortises
– Its weight (90 lbs.) might be burdensome for some people

The Shop Fox W1671 Mortising Machine comes with a brawny motor that ensures long-lasting use. There are handy features like a micro-adjustable fence for precise cuts and an auto-reverse feature to ensure clean mortising. Its weight slightly leans on the heavy side, but that’s what’s expected for a powerful and stable operation offered by this tool. This tool is most suited for professional woodworkers with heavy project loads. [Buy here](https://www.amazon.com/Shop-Fox-W1671-4-Horsepower-Mortising/dp/B005W1C9IM)

### Product 5: Delta 14-651 Professional Mortising Machine
Delta 14-651 Professional Mortising Machine is known for its compact design, adequate functionality, and affordability. It’s ideal for users seeking good value for their money.

Pros:
– 0.5 horsepower motor
– Reliable under moderate load
– Multi-position feed lever

Cons:
– Not ideal for huge, heavy-duty tasks
– The bolt and chuck might not hold the chisel square

Despite its petite size, the Delta 14-651 provides a steady 0.5 horsepower and comes with a multi-position feed lever that ensures user convenience. It’s a bit on the lighter side with a weight of 44 lbs. But, its small dimensions don’t hinder its potential to deliver precise mortise every single time. This tool is best for home woodworkers who occasionally need a mortiser for their projects. [Buy here](https://www.amazon.com/DELTA-14-651-Professional-2-Horsepower-Mortising/dp/B00006K009)

Part 2:

### Product 6: Grizzly Industrial G0645-1/2 HP Benchtop Mortising Machine
This Grizzly Mortiser is known for its stable performance and practical design. Ideal for novice and intermediate woodworkers.

Pros:
– 0.5 horsepower motor
– Has adjustable depth stop
– Ease of chisel changing

Cons:
– Few users reported issues with fence alignment
– Not equipped for heavy-duty tasks

With a well-balanced weight of 64 lbs., this mortiser introduces an adjustable depth stop and simplicity working with chisels. Though it comes with only a 0.5 horsepower motor, it offers a steady performance for moderate woodworking tasks. This tool is perfect for beginners and intermediate-level workers. [Buy here](https://www.amazon.com/Grizzly-G0645-Mortising-Machine-4-Inch/dp/B0007D2BQI)

### Product 7: WEN 43012 Cast Iron Bench Mortiser with Chisel Bit Set
The WEN 43012 Bench Mortiser, with its user-friendly features and affordability, is a favorable choice for hobbyists and occasional users.

Pros:
– 0.5 horsepower motor that ensures reliable power
– Easy to set up and operate
– Well balanced at 39 lbs.

Cons:
– Some users found it complicated to change the bits
– Not designed for heavy-duty jobs

Wen is known for its quality tools, and the 43012 Bench Mortiser is no exception. Carrying a lighter weight compared to others, it still adorns essential features such as extension wings, allowing for increased workspace. [Buy here](https://www.amazon.com/WEN-43012-2-Horsepower-Cast-Iron-Mortiser/dp/B07KKXNYNR)

### Product 8: Makita 7104L Chain Mortiser
For significant woodworking tasks demanding high precision, Makita 7104L Chain Mortiser offers optimum power and comfort. This tool is perfect for log home building and timber framing.

Pros:
– High-powered 11 Amp motor
– Compact and portable design
– Razor-sharp cutting blade

Cons:
– Quite expensive
– May require more maintenance compared to others

Weighing 38.1 lbs., this mortiser is lighter than expected given its robust power. The product’s design ensures the user’s comfort while carrying it around the work area. Its high-powered motor guarantees top performance making it a popular choice in heavy timber framing and log home building. [Buy here](https://www.amazon.com/Makita-7104L-10-5-Chain-Mortiser/dp/B0000223JC)

### Product 9: Woodtek 138224, Machinery, Mortisers, 1HP Benchtop Mortiser
The Woodtek Benchtop Mortiser is a versatile tool designed for both beginners and serious woodworkers. It offers reasonable power with added user-friendly features.

Pros:
– The motor equips a 1 horsepower ensuring reliable performance
– Comes with adjustable X-Y Mortising Head
– Can handle wide ranges of stock thicknesses

Cons:
– A bit expensive
– Might need slight tweaks to improve performance

This mortiser stands out for its robust motor and its unique X-Y Mortising Head, delivering precise mortises across a variety of wood beams. Its versatility, capacity to handle wider stock thicknesses, and convenience attest to Woodtek’s dedication to providing exceptional woodworking tools. [Buy here](https://www.amazon.com/Woodtek-138224-Machinery-Mortisers-Benchtop/dp/B001DT3YG4)

### Product 10: G&J Hall Tools PB700/2 Powerbor Electromagnetic Drill Press
For professionals in the drilling field, this powerful Bench Mortiser from G&J Hall Tools delivers optimum performance, justifying its price tag.

Pros:
– Powerful, high-speed motor
– Compact design ensures portable and easy storage
– Has electronic safety shutoff sensor

Cons:
– Its heavy weight (83.8 lbs.)
– Pricier than other models

With a well-built body and powerful motor, this drill press can handle a wide range of tasks, including heavy-duty operations. Its adjustable features add convenience in performing repeated tasks at a time. This machine is best suited for professional drillers who wish to increase their work efficiency. [Buy here](https://www.amazon.com/G-J-Hall-Tools-Electromagnetic/dp/B00EDRAMS4)

## FAQs Section

* **What is a Bench Mortiser?**- A Bench Mortiser is a specialized woodworking tool designed to create square or rectangular holes in a piece of wood.

* **What do the horsepower ratings mean?** – The horsepower ratings refer to the strength of the mortiser’s motor. Higher ratings generally indicate more strength, suited for heavy-duty tasks.

* **Are all Bench Mortisers heavy?** – Not necessarily. While many heavy-duty models are hefty due to their powerful motors and robust construction, Bench Mortisers come in a range of weights with some lighter models suited for occasional or hobbyist use.

* **Is Bench Mortiser easy to operate?** – It depends on the model. Some Bench Mortisers are user-friendly and easy to operate, while others, particularly high-end models, could be complex and might require some learning curve.

* **Are Bench Mortisers expensive?** – Prices vary greatly depending on a lot of factors – the brand, power, included features, and overall build quality. There are affordable options for occasional woodworkers and high-end alternatives for professionals.

## Conclusion

In conclusion, each Bench Mortiser has its own unique features catering to a variety of woodworkers’ needs. While the Powermatic Bench Mortiser is revered for its robust performance and heavy-duty capabilities, the Delta Professional Mortising Machine is a gem for occasional users, being compact and affordable. Whether you prefer high power or portability, each of these Bench Mortisers has something to offer. Remember, the best Bench Mortiser for you depends on your woodworking requirements and preferences. As the old saying goes, “Good tools are half the work.” Let’s gear up and create something extraordinary!