There are a number of people who are naturally endowed with mechanical skills. They can efficiently repair any tasks. The same is not possible for everyone. The woodworking essentially focuses on your craftsmanship skills and the choice of tools. Thus, in the absence of appropriate tools, it is not possible to accomplish woodworking jobs effectively. For such jobs, mortising machines are very useful and can help you to accomplish the jobs more quickly and conveniently. FYI, it is a machine that employs an auger and a chisel to create a rectangular or square mortise within the wood. Moreover, it can skillfully take care of every heavy lifting of preparing mortises.
Even the use of a decent quality drill and compound saw will not be enough. This is because there is still a need to get the wood mortised in a flawless way. For DIY use or commercial project, the below-discussed mortising machines are the best choices. With the details provided, you sure can make better decisions and greater purchasing.
Table of Contents
- List of Top 10 Best Mortising Machines in 2023 Reviews on Amazon.Com
- 10. RIKON Professional Power Tools Benchtop X/Y Mortiser
- 9. Shop Fox W1671 3/4 HP Heavy-duty Mortising Machines
- 8. Powermatic 1791264K Model 719T Tilt Table Mortiser
- 7. Souber DBB Lock Mortiser
- 6. Woodtek 876775 Mortising Machines
- 5. PORTER-CABLE 513 1-1/2 Horsepower Lock Mortising Machines
- 4. RIKON Power Tools 34-255 Bench Top Mortising Machines
- 3. General Tools 870 Aluminum Mortise and Tenon Jig Kit:
- 2. Grizzly G0645-1/2 HP Benchtop Mortising Machine:
- 1. Jet Bench Mortiser
- Buying Guide to Choosing a Suitable Mortising Machines
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Concluding Note
List of Top 10 Best Mortising Machines in 2023 Reviews on Amazon.Com
10. RIKON Professional Power Tools Benchtop X/Y Mortiser
The first among all of the mortising machines to showcase on the list goes to a benchtop mortiser from RIKON. This x-y mortising machine offers accurate positioning of your work for tedious mortises. In addition, high precision is possible with the use of the sliding x-y axis table. Plus, the polish on the surface of this mortise unit would last longer. Whether for DIY purposes or commercial purposes, this Rikon Mortiser tool can perfectly fulfill your needs. Moreover, its x/y adjustment, table, and heavy cast iron fence are capable of holding the work with high stability.
Accurate cuts are employed through sharp chisels. Due to high stability during the operation, the users would feel safe and can work consistently. Another reason behind this is that the benchtop possesses a gas-filled stabilizer. For this reason, it assists the control upward & downward chisel motion throughout your hard work.
What We Like:
- A powerful ½ hp motor working at the speed of 1750 rpm facilitates quick cutting of mortises.
- The X – Y directional table features stops to ensure the provision of outstanding control during the operation.
- It comes with a gas-filled stabilizer to maximize the upward & downward controlling
What We Don’t Like:
- The front clamp of this mortising machine does not hold down the board. But, it only offers pressure against it.
- Very heavy as it weighs up to 90 pounds of weight.
9. Shop Fox W1671 3/4 HP Heavy-duty Mortising Machines
This Shop Fox mortising machine precisely creates mortise in required shapes. With the assistance of the precision 1/2″ chuck, this sturdily built tool removes the requirement to alter bits and chisels. Additionally, the extra height capacity enables adjustment up to 7-3/8″ of thickness. Alongside that, the all-steel, quick-adjust depth stop is convenient to set and specially engineered using a positive stop mechanism. As a result, this mechanism guarantees the supreme level of recurrent accuracy for recurrent operations.
Furthermore, some of the exceptional specialties of this W1671 mortising machine include exceptional swiveling base, double support columns, adjustable depth stop rod, and gas spring return.
What We Like:
- The quick-positioning handle lets you hold this mortising tool effectively.
- An adjustable length and convenient two-door chuck access help create a precisely mortising manner.
- Its solid-steel structure indicates high durability.
- High efficiency is indicated through its 110V, 3/4 HP motor that operates at 3450 RPM.
What We Don’t Like:
- The product requires a bit more time for setting up.
8. Powermatic 1791264K Model 719T Tilt Table Mortiser
For preparing perfect mortises, the importance of work support is inevitable. In this unit from Powermatic, there is the facility of 7 inches X 7 inches surface to give ample work support. Thus, the mortising tool will effortlessly adjust to any angle and anywhere in the range of 0 and 35 degrees. It is known that the table is capable of moving left towards the right. Also, it can move forward and backward collectively with the assistance of the large hand wheel control mechanism.
What is more, the product offers an accurate repetition through the variable linear stops and a flip-down stop. The included clamp can be quickly adjusted and it offers sufficient work-holding force. Meanwhile, its rotation function can hold the angled workpieces greatly. Besides, the configuration of this tilt table mortise showcases heavy-duty cast iron construction. On top of the solid build, there is an efficient 1-horsepower motor to maximize the operation too. These aspects suggest that this Powermatic mortising machine is capable of accomplishing even the most demanding mortising jobs
What We Like:
- Powermatic incorporated quick position table mounted rotating vise clamp for ease of preparing angled workpieces.
- The included feed lever boasts six positions for instant adjustments.
- To suit a wide range of applications, the fence and table tilt from 0 to 35 degrees.
- There is the implementation of the gas cylinder regulated rack and pinion head for raising & lowering mechanism.
What We Don’t Like:
- It does not come with chisels.
7. Souber DBB Lock Mortiser
6. Woodtek 876775 Mortising Machines
Occasionally, the need arises to mortise square shape in a wood and you may face difficulty to accomplish such tasks. In such cases, this Woodtek mortiser tool becomes handy. This is because it owns the potential to easily make a square in wood. Plus, the corresponding depth adjustment is easy to regulate. Basically, it utilizes a simple rod that relates to the anticipated depth. Similar to the majority of the things in woodworking, there would be no time waste during setup. Once set up appropriately, it powerfully performs the function and fulfills your needs.
Because it comes with a moderate weight of 45 lbs, it is transferable too. You will also find it very convenient to use as its pack comes with bushings, chuck key, long power cord, wrenches, long handle, and other hardware screws. Also, there is an instruction for you to follow during setting up process too.
What We Like:
- During the operation, it employs a lever controlled rack and pinion plunge stroke.
- It is hassle-free for its portability as it weighs
- The product comes with hardware screws, instructions, and other necessary items.
- It is very easy to assemble
What We Don’t Like:
- Nothing to dislike
5. PORTER-CABLE 513 1-1/2 Horsepower Lock Mortising Machines
The hand mortising is now obsolete and the recent mortisers are exceptionally prepared to deliver high efficiency. The Porter-Cable 513 mortising machine would accomplish the job instantly without any compromise in the mortise shapes. It is due to its powerful 11 Amp motor rotating at 27,500 RPM that delivers extremely detailed cuts. This aspect is highly useful when you need to make cuts for box locks.
In addition, this heavy-duty lock mortise tool is capable of slicing mortises up to 7 x 1-1/4 x 4-3/4 inches (L x W x D). It is generally observed to be used in entry door lock installations. Furthermore, its working mechanism would automatically align the cutter towards the center on the door’s edge regardless of the thickness.
What We Like:
- The 513 mortising machine is capable of accommodating doors with thickness up to 4-1/2 inches.
- Its durable steel and alloy construction guarantees high reliability and precise cuts.
- It is extremely easy to set-up and it would precisely locate to door.
- The product features a very powerful motor that makes the cutting quicker.
What We Don’t Like:
- It is a bit heavy and can be difficult to transport.
4. RIKON Power Tools 34-255 Bench Top Mortising Machines
One of the prime characteristics of this benchtop mortising machine is its powerful 1/2HP, 1700RPM motor. This built-in motor comes to instantly slice mortises within the toughest woods without creating issues of stalling. Apart from that, its frequent use would give an idea that its drilling power is decent enough because of the multi-position handle. This handle is capable of serving its users with the finest control. For this reason, your mortising tasks go fluently because the gas-filled stabilizer adjusts chisel motions for both upward and downward.
It came to know that this RIKON mortiser is ideal for dovetailing since the dovetail column assists the slicing of diverse mortises at a uniform speed. This is possible through its adaptable stop feature. For enhancing convenience during use, it includes table extensions as well.
What We Like:
- An included gas-filled stabilizer regulates vertical chisel motion throughout the mortising tasks.
- The presence of the multi-position handle employs the finest control and efficient power for drilling.
- It comes with superb control and power for drilling
- The Militia position handle helps to facilitate the drilling action.
What We Don’t Like:
- Nothing to dislike
3. General Tools 870 Aluminum Mortise and Tenon Jig Kit:
Coming next, this is a horizontal mortising machine from General Tools. Identified as a trailblazing tool, this aluminum made mortising machine offers an instant, all-inclusive solution. The corresponding solution is capable of cutting a matching mortise as well as tenon through a single jig. It is known that this jig is readily available to use right from the pack. Therefore, the kit would generate 1/4-inch mortise and tenon joints for furniture, cabinets, and frames.
With the use of a plunge router along with the jig, any woodworkers can slice comprehensively aligned mortises and tenons. Also, it is suitable for the width varying from 1/4-inch to 1/1-inch and the length varying from 1-inch to 3-inches. Other than this, there would be no hassles to mount the entire unit on a workbench or over aboard. This is because it can be fastened within a vise or into a bench.
What We Like:
- The jib body is made durable with the use of sturdy aircraft-grade aluminum.
- For precise joints, the incorporated clamps and swingarm perfectly secure the wood.
- It can effortlessly handle wood stock that is as thick as 1/2-inch to 1 1/2-inch.
- This mortising is proficient to cut several different mortises in a unified long piece.
- It has a horizontal construction for horizontal cutting.
What We Don’t Like:
- Suitable only for mortises with the thickness up to 2 inches large
2. Grizzly G0645-1/2 HP Benchtop Mortising Machine:
Now it is easy to drill square sided mortises using this Grizzly benchtop mortising tool. The cheap quality mortising machine may not ensure precise mort but this tool ensures that. This is possible with its rigid cast iron construction and a rack & pinion head control system. Besides, this system smoothly glides over a dovetailed column with adaptable ways. Generally, the mortiser unit is simple to assemble in less than 45 minutes.
Plus, the overall functioning is superb and slices a decent mortise to meet your needs. In spite of being heavy-duty, this machine is simple to operate. Not to mention, it has the presence of pneumatic return support that streamlines the step and repeat the cycle of different drilling.
What We Like:
- High durability is guaranteed through its rigid cast iron construction.
- A rack and pinion head control system glides smoothly over a dovetailed column.
- It features a high adjustability feature that guarantees high precision.
- The built-in 1/2 HP motor is proficient in power through any wood and the availability of drill chuck.
What We Don’t Like:
- It is very heavy which requires a bit of effort to move around.
1. Jet Bench Mortiser
Showcased in a convenient size, this powerfully working Benchtop mortising tool could be utilized on a bench or even on an independent stand. Due to its heavy-duty construction, it offers great durability, stability, and consistency that is required to generate decent quality outcomes. In the pack, you will find this tool coming with a chuck key, and three bits.
Overall, you would avail of solid performance without any compromise in the user experience. Other than this, the reliable rack & pinion head adjustment serves precise drilling control. Together with the presence of an elongated, it allows the multi-position handle to reposition the feed handle conveniently.
What We Like:
- It comes with a heavy-duty construction of cast iron and steel
- The product comes with a detachable on/off toggle switch which ensures a safe operation.
- This mortiser also comes with a purchasing warranty
What We Don’t Like:
- A bit heavyweight to hold
Buying Guide to Choosing a Suitable Mortising Machines
Sometimes, your wood craftmanship may require the use of mortising machines. Especially, when it comes to cutting holes within the wood or timbers. However, different wood cutting works may need different types of mortising machines to assist the job. That is when you need to consider a few things before purchasing. By thinking of a few tips below, it may help in guiding you to choose the product that you really need. At the same time, it may cut to save you from spending money buying the wrong product too.
Types of Mortising Machines
Mortising machines come in 3 different types which include the square chisel, the horizontal, and the chain.
The Square Chisel
This type of mortiser normally come in a fixed style. Similarly, it looks almost like a drill press. Interestingly, it comes with a chisel and a drill that helps to create a clean cutting edge of the holes.
The Horizontal
For this type of a mortising machine, it comes with a router. Users can attach the workpieces into its multi-axis sliding table to perform the hole cutting works. The expert also recommends this horizontal mortising machine to use for cutting floating tenons.
The Chain
Last but not least, it is The Chain. If you are dealing with any large project of wood construction, you are highly recommended to use this type of mortiser. This chain type utilizes a chainsaw design of the cutter that can rotate during the cutting process. As a result of this, it can concurrently hold the piece of wood together and cut them neatly.
Design & Build Quality
Design can highly affect the quality of mortising works. That is why you should always check with the design and its build quality before making any purchases. For this point, it really concerns over the alignment. If the product has a design and builds that go well with other aspects, then it should work well too. Besides, you should also consider on the materials used to build the product. If you want to ensure the durability of usage, you may want to look for steel or aluminum constructions.
Ability to handle wood thickness
The last thing to care about is the ability to handle wood thickness. Regarding this point, it means you should always find out whether or not the mortiser can be adjusted in width. If it is possible to adjust, it means it can also accommodate different sizes of workpieces too. Some products are only designed for a DIY project and can be adjusted between 1 inch up to 2 inches only. Meanwhile, some are for heavy-duty works and can accommodate thicker wood pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a mortising machine or mortiser?
A: To simply put, it is a tool used in wood craftsmanship work. The need for this tool is for cutting holes in either a square-shape or rectangular-shape hole of the timbers.
Q: How many types of mortising machines are there?
A: There is a total of 3 types which include the horizontal mortiser, the square chisel, and the chain.
Concluding Note
To employ accurate measurements and a neat finish to all the different shaped holes in woodworking, the mortising machines are the recommended choices. Whether you wish to create a square or rectangular holes in any DIY or commercial project, try these mortising tools. They are easy to handle and highly efficient.