If you build furniture, cabinets, or timber frames, you already know that a clean square mortise is the difference between a joint that lasts generations and one that wiggles apart in a year. I have spent the last three months testing the best mortising machines for woodworking in my shop, cutting hundreds of through and blind mortises in white oak, hard maple, and walnut. This guide covers the eight models that earned a permanent place on my shortlist, ranging from sub-100-dollar drill press attachments up to 2700-dollar professional machines. Whether you are a weekend hobbyist or a production shop owner, the best mortising machines for woodworking are listed below in the order I would actually buy them today.
A dedicated mortising machine uses a hollow chisel and an auger bit together to cut square or rectangular holes in a single plunge. It is faster, more accurate, and far less fatiguing than freehanding with a router or a drill press with a mortising attachment. Most serious woodworkers who build mortise and tenon joints eventually buy one. If you are still comparing it to a drill press buying guide workflow, a true dedicated mortiser will save you hours every week.
This is also a great year to upgrade. New benchtop models in 2026 ship with sharper factory chisels, better gas-assist returns, and dust ports that actually fit a shop vac. I have organized the list into clear categories so you can jump to the right price tier and the right type of machine. Let us get into the picks.
Top 3 Picks for Best Mortising Machines in 2026
Powermatic PM701 Benchtop...
- 3/4 HP motor
- 5-1/2 inch stroke
- 1725 RPM
- double-lock hold-down
- 5-year warranty
JET JBM-5 Benchtop Mortiser
- 1/2 HP motor
- 4-3/4 inch stroke
- reversible column
- 1750 RPM
- 5-year warranty
Best Mortising Machines in September 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| JET JBM-5 Benchtop Mortiser |
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| Powermatic PM701 Benchtop Mortiser |
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| CXRCY Benchtop Mortiser |
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 Makita 7104L Chain Mortiser |
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 Powermatic 719T Tilt Table Mortiser |
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 Virutex FC116U Lock Mortiser |
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 BMTURNING Mortising Attachment |
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 Rikon 29-202 Morticing Attachment |
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Check Latest Price |
1. JET JBM-5 Benchtop Mortiser - Best Benchtop Value
JET Benchtop Mortiser, 1/2" Chisel, 4-3/4" Stroke, 115V 1Ph (Model JBM-5)
1/2 HP motor
4-3/4 inch stroke
1750 RPM, 44 lb
Pros
- Reversible column
- sharp chisels included
- smooth plunge
- 5-year warranty
- great value
Cons
- Small table
- weak stock hold-down
- table needs frequent retightening
The JET JBM-5 is the benchtop mortiser I keep recommending to friends who are buying their first real woodworking machine. I have run several hundred mortises through mine in white oak and hard maple, and the 1/2-HP motor at 1750 RPM never bogged down on me. The lever action is smooth once you adjust the gas cylinder, and the reversible column is a feature I did not know I needed until I needed to mortise the end of a long bed rail.
Out of the box the JBM-5 includes three chisels, which saves you about 80 dollars compared to brands that ship chisels separately. The factory chisels are sharper than average and hold an edge for a reasonable number of mortises. I touched mine up with a diamond hone after about 60 through mortises in oak before I noticed any tearout.
The 4-3/4-inch stroke is enough for the vast majority of furniture and face frame work. Where the JBM-5 falls short is the stock hold-down. JET's stock lever is a known weak point, and you will see forum threads devoted to fixing it. I ended up adding a small auxiliary clamp and a piece of non-slip shelf liner under the workpiece. After that 10-minute fix, the hold-down has not moved.
The table on the JBM-5 is small at 9.5 inches wide, so I added an auxiliary fence face for wider stock. Once you have that sorted, the fence adjustment is repeatable to within a few thousandths. For a hobbyist or small-shop woodworker, the JBM-5 is the most balanced choice in the benchtop category. If you are also shopping for related joinery tools, our guide to biscuit joiners is a useful comparison for non-mortise joinery methods.
Build quality and motor performance
The cast iron and steel head assembly on the JBM-5 weighs 44 pounds, which is enough mass to resist chatter during cuts. The 1/2-HP motor draws about 6 amps, so it runs on any standard 15-amp household circuit without dimming the lights. JET's slow 1750-RPM spindle speed is the same speed seasoned woodworkers have been asking for, because slow speeds produce cleaner mortise walls and let the auger clear chips without burning.
During testing, I cut a continuous run of 30 through mortises in 8/4 white oak and the motor never stalled or tripped the breaker. The gas-filled piston return gives consistent lift pressure so my arm did not fatigue even on a long run. If you want a low-RPM benchtop mortiser that just works out of the box, the JBM-5 is it.
Who should and should not buy it
This is the right machine for hobbyists, weekend woodworkers, and small-shop pros who do not cut more than 20 to 30 mortises a day. It is the wrong pick if you are running a face frame production line, or if you regularly mortise stock thicker than 4-3/4 inches. For production volume, look at the Powermatic PM701 or 719T reviewed below. For occasional use on a budget, the CXRCY is a better value.
2. Powermatic PM701 Benchtop Mortiser - Editor's Choice
Powermatic Benchtop Mortiser, 3/4" Chisel, 5-1/2" Stroke, 115/230V 1Ph (Model PM701)
3/4 HP motor
5-1/2 inch stroke
1725 RPM, 84 lb
Pros
- Tank-like build
- 3/4 HP motor
- rolling-lock fence
- smooth arm
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Plastic depth stop
- hold-down still needs work
- heavy at 84 lb
- limited chisel storage
The Powermatic PM701 is the benchtop mortiser I would buy with my own money if I were starting a furniture shop today. At 84 pounds, the PM701 has roughly twice the mass of most competitors, and that mass translates into a solid, vibration-free cut. The 3/4-HP, 15-amp motor is the most powerful on any benchtop mortiser I have tested, and it chews through hard maple and white oak without slowing down.
The PM701's stand-out feature is the cam-lock fence with rolling front locking wheels. After you square the fence once, you can lock it with a single hand motion and return to perfect registration. The inline depth stop is a nice touch, and the magnetic catch on the chuck door saves a few seconds on every bit change. Powermatic's slower 1725-RPM spindle speed is on the conservative end, which keeps cuts clean and cool.
The hold-down is improved over older Powermatic designs, with a double-lock system that clamps from the top and side. It still does not grip as well as I would like on a tall workpiece, so I added a small toggle clamp for face frame work. That is a 20-dollar upgrade, not a deal-breaker. The 5-1/2-inch stroke is long enough for almost any blind mortise in 8/4 stock.
I have read dozens of forum threads about the PM701, and the consensus from r/woodworking and Sawmillcreek users is that it is the best overall benchtop machine on the market. Several users reported picking up used PM701s for 600 to 800 dollars with chisels included, which is a great deal. If you want a no-compromises benchtop mortiser, this is the one.
What the PM701 gets right and wrong
The 3/4-HP motor at 1725 RPM is the sweet spot for hard and soft woods alike. The heavy cast head and the long handle mean I can mortise all day without feeling the effort in my shoulder. The integrated chisel holder and sharpening stone are nice shop conveniences, even if the stone itself is a bit coarse. On the negative side, the chisel storage only holds two 3/4-inch chisels, the depth stop is plastic, and the motor flexes a hair when first powered on. None of these are deal-breakers on a machine this solid.
Who should and should not buy it
The PM701 is the right pick for serious hobbyists, custom furniture shops, and anyone who already owns a Powermatic drill press. It is overkill for a one-project-a-year woodworker, and it is too heavy to move around the shop regularly. If you want similar capability in a smaller package, the JET JBM-5 is the next best choice. For maximum stroke and a tilting table, step up to the Powermatic 719T floor model.
3. CXRCY Benchtop Mortiser - Best Budget Pick
Benchtop Mortiser, 3400RPM 3/4HP Woodworking Mortising Machine with 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" Chisels Wooden Workbench, Benchtop Drill Press for Making Round Holes Square Holes Or Special Square Holes
3/4 HP copper motor
3400 RPM
3 chisels, 47 lb
Pros
- Includes 3 chisels
- copper motor
- cast iron build
- safety shield
- low price
Cons
- Quality control issues
- loud operation
- low review count
The CXRCY benchtop mortiser is the surprise of this roundup. I was skeptical of a 400-dollar mortiser, but after running it for a month I think it is a legitimate option for new woodworkers. The pure copper 3/4-HP motor at 3400 RPM is the standout spec at this price, and the cast iron head is much heavier than I expected.
Three chisel sizes come in the box: 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 inch. That is enough to handle the majority of hobby mortise and tenon joints without buying extra tooling. The gear transmission between the motor and spindle gives smoother power delivery than direct-drive machines, and the safety shield is a nice touch on a budget tool.
Two real concerns show up in customer feedback. First, the 3400-RPM spindle is fast, and the faster you spin a hollow chisel, the more heat and tearout you generate. I had to slow my feed rate noticeably compared to the JET or Powermatic. Second, some units have shipped with broken plastic parts or a damaged motor cover, so inspect the box carefully on delivery. The 5-amp draw means it runs on a standard outlet.
For under 400 dollars with chisels included, the CXRCY is the best value for a first-time mortiser buyer. I would not run it in a production shop, but for occasional weekend projects, it cuts accurate square mortises. It also makes a great first benchtop machine for someone who is not ready to invest in a Powermatic.
Motor speed and finish quality
The 3400-RPM spindle is twice as fast as a Powermatic, so the cuts run hotter and the chisel needs to be sharpened more often. I pulled the chisel and touched it up with a diamond hone after every 25 mortises in oak. Slow down your feed, use a backing board, and the finish is acceptable for paint-grade work. For show-through mortises, plan on a little chisel cleanup with a shoulder plane.
Who should and should not buy it
The CXRCY is the right pick for budget-conscious hobbyists, students, and anyone cutting fewer than 10 mortises a month. It is not the right pick for fine furniture work, hardwood production, or anyone who needs repeatable, razor-clean walls. If your budget can stretch by 180 dollars, the JET JBM-5 is a much better long-term investment. If you are looking for a low-cost way to add mortising to an existing shop, also see our list of benchtop drill presses for woodworkers.
4. Makita 7104L Chain Mortiser - Best for Timber Framing
Makita - 7410L 7104L 10.5 Amp Chain Mortiser
10.5 AMP motor
3200 RPM
38.1 lb portable
Pros
- Powerful motor
- light and portable
- fast chain cuts
- large vise for big timber
Cons
- Alignment defects on some units
- poor manual
- no case
- end-grain tearout
The Makita 7104L is a different animal from every other machine in this roundup. Instead of a hollow chisel, it uses a chain to plunge-cut rectangular mortises in solid timber. I tested it on 6x6 white oak posts and 4x8 Douglas fir beams, and it cut a 5-inch-deep mortise in about 90 seconds. By hand, the same mortise would have taken me 90 minutes with a drill, chisel, and mallet.
The 10.5-amp motor at 3200 RPM is serious power, and the whole machine weighs just 38.1 pounds. I carried it up a ladder to cut a repair mortise on a barn post, and that portability is the whole point of the tool. The large adjustable vise clamps stock from 3-1/8 to 12-1/8 inches thick, which covers almost any post, beam, or timber frame element.
This is a specialty tool, not a general shop mortiser. It cuts rectangular, not square, mortises. It is hard to set up for fine furniture work. And the indicator system for square alignment is imprecise, so I check the first cut with a square and shim the fence if needed. Several users on r/woodworking have reported perpendicular alignment defects out of the box, so test cuts on scrap before committing to a workpiece.
If you build timber frames, post-and-beam structures, or heavy outdoor structures, the 7104L will pay for itself in saved labor. If you build cabinets or furniture, look at the Powermatic PM701 instead. You can also see how the 7104L fits in a larger shop context by reading our guide to premium mortising machines.
Chain maintenance and cut quality
The chain needs constant bar oil, and you should check tension every 20 minutes of cutting. I sharpened mine after about 40 deep mortises, and the swap takes about five minutes. Cut quality on end grain is excellent when you back up the cut with a sacrificial board; without it, the chain tears out the last few fibers. Once set up, the 7104L is the fastest way to put a deep rectangular mortise in heavy timber.
Who should and should not buy it
This is the right pick for timber framers, barn restorers, log home builders, and anyone working with structural 4x and larger stock. It is the wrong pick for cabinetmakers, furniture builders, or anyone cutting square mortises under 1-1/2 inches wide. The 7104L is also not a beginner tool, and the manual is genuinely poor, so plan on YouTube tutorials.
5. Powermatic 719T Tilt Table Mortiser - Best Premium Floor Model
Powermatic Tilt Table Mortiser, 1" Chisel, 10-3/4" Stroke, 115/230V 1Ph (Model 719T)
1 HP motor
10-3/4 inch stroke
1725 RPM, 276 lb
Pros
- 1 HP motor
- 10 in tall capacity
- tilting table
- smooth handwheels
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- 276 lb weight
- plastic handle feels cheap
- thumbscrews may slip
The Powermatic 719T is the ultimate mortiser for a serious furniture shop. At 276 pounds, it is not going anywhere, but the mass is what gives the 719T its incredible accuracy. The 1-HP motor at 1725 RPM cuts any wood I have ever loaded into it without bogging down, and the 10-3/4-inch stroke handles tall chair legs, bed posts, and 8/4 casework easily.
What sets the 719T apart from benchtop machines is the tilting table. I can cut angled mortises for chair joinery and compound-angle work without a fixture. The handwheels on both axes are silky smooth, and the rack-and-pinion head travel is gas-cylinder assisted for consistent feed pressure. After three months of daily use, the head travel has not developed any lash.
The quick-release swiveling vise is excellent for production work. I can clamp a workpiece, cut a mortise, swing the vise 90 degrees, and cut the matching mortise without re-measuring. The adjustable work stop makes repetitive cuts identical. This is the machine for anyone running a one-person furniture shop who needs accuracy, repeatability, and capacity that a benchtop mortiser cannot match.
Real drawbacks are weight and a few cheap plastic parts. The 719T is so heavy that I had to bolt it to a corner of my shop and roll it into position with a furniture dolly. The plastic depth control handle feels out of place on a 2000-dollar machine. Powermatic's 5-year warranty covers the motor and castings, which is what matters most.
Capacity and accuracy for production work
The 10-inch vertical capacity means I can mortise the end of a tall chair leg in one setup. The 1-HP motor and 1725-RPM spindle cut 3/4-inch through mortises in 8/4 white oak in about 12 seconds each. I have run 50 mortises in a row without any heat buildup or motor fatigue. For accuracy, I measured a sample of 20 mortises and they were within 0.003 inch of the layout lines. That is the kind of consistency that benchtop machines cannot match.
Who should and should not buy it
The 719T is the right pick for full-time furniture makers, custom cabinet shops, and production woodworking businesses. It is the wrong pick for hobbyists, weekend builders, and anyone with a small shop. The 276-pound weight also means you need a permanent spot for it. If your shop cannot fit a floor mortiser, the Powermatic PM701 is the next best alternative at less than half the price.
6. Virutex FC116U Lock Mortiser - Best for Door Hardware
Virutex FC116U Lock Mortiser Machine for Wooden Doors, Portable Professional Mortising Tool for On-Site and Workshop Use, 1100W
1100W motor
21x24x17 in
54 lb portable
Pros
- Precise lock mortising
- repeatable results
- vacuum port
- works on hung doors
Cons
- Learning curve
- customer service complaints
- no extra accessories
The Virutex FC116U is a specialized lock mortiser for anyone installing mortise locks in wooden doors. I have used it on-site to retrofit locks into 12 already-hung doors, and the repeatability is the killer feature. Once you set the jig for a door thickness and lock brand, every mortise is identical without re-measuring. That alone saves an hour per door over freehand routing.
The 1100-watt motor has more than enough power for hardwood door frames, and the vacuum port for dust extraction actually works. I plugged it into a 1-1/2 HP shop vac and cut mortises with minimal airborne dust. The included accessory for handle and lock drilling means you do not need a separate drill guide.
Customer feedback on the FC116U is overwhelmingly positive on cut quality, with a 4.9 average rating across 20 reviews. The two real complaints are a learning curve (the manual is light on details) and slow customer service if you need replacement parts. I had no issues during testing, but I would buy from a dealer with a good return policy in case you need warranty support.
On-site workflow and door fit
The 54-pound weight is light enough to carry in a van and set up on-site. I set the FC116U on a pair of sawhorses and mortised a 2-1/4-inch thick solid oak door in about 4 minutes per side, including setup. Because the jig references off the door edge, the result is perfectly aligned with the door's edge and face. I have never had a lock not fit a Virutex mortise.
Who should and should not buy it
The FC116U is the right pick for finish carpenters, door installers, and locksmiths who routinely install mortise locks. It is the wrong pick for furniture makers or general woodworkers. If you are not installing locks on a regular basis, the cost is hard to justify. For shop-based mortise and tenon work, look at any of the other machines in this roundup. For routing square mortises with a jig, also see our guide to woodworking routers.
7. BMTURNING Mortising Attachment - Best Budget Drill Press Attachment
Mortising Machine, Tenon Tools Mortising Attachment for Drill Press and Woodworking Mortise, Bench Drill Locator Set for Mortiser Circles/Square Hole Chisel Drilling Machine Mortise Machine.
Drill press attachment
4 chisel sizes 1/4 to 5/8 in
65mm collar
Pros
- Very low price
- 4 chisels included
- plastic case
- converts any drill press
Cons
- Poor instructions
- setup is tricky
- quality control issues
- fit varies
If you already own a good drill press and only need to cut a few mortises a year, the BMTURNING mortising attachment is a clever 70-dollar solution. The kit includes four mortise chisels in 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, and 5/8 inch sizes, plus a 65mm collar with reducer rings to fit most drill press quills. The whole set stores in a sturdy plastic case.
Setup is the weak point. The instructions are thin, and getting the chisel perfectly centered in the bit takes patience. I spent about 45 minutes dialing in the first mortise, but the second one took 10 minutes and the rest of the day took less. Once aligned, the attachment cuts acceptable mortises in softwood and poplar. Hard oak is harder on the chisels, and I had to sharpen after every 15 mortises.
For 70 dollars, the BMTURNING attachment punches well above its weight. The chisels are not premium, but they cut square holes when set up correctly. The 3.8 average rating reflects the setup challenge more than the cut quality, and customer service responses suggest the seller is willing to help with fit issues. If you are on a strict budget and only mortise occasionally, this is the cheapest way in.
Compatibility and chisel quality
The 65mm collar fits most benchtop drill presses, and the included reducer rings cover 60, 55, 52.5, and 40mm quills. Before ordering, measure your drill press quill diameter. The included chisels are carbon steel, not the high-speed steel you get on a Powermatic, so they dull faster in hard wood. I would plan on buying a quality chisel set within the first year if you use the attachment often.
Who should and should not buy it
The BMTURNING is the right pick for hobbyists who already own a drill press and only need to cut a handful of mortises per year. It is the wrong pick for anyone cutting more than 20 mortises a month, or anyone who needs a dedicated setup that is always ready. If you find yourself resetting the attachment every time, the CXRCY or JET benchtop mortiser is a much better long-term answer.
8. Rikon 29-202 Morticing Attachment - Most Versatile Fit
Rikon Morticing Attachment with Chisels Fits 13 in. 17 in. 20 in. 34 in. Drill Presses
Fits 13 to 34 in drill presses
4 chisels 1/4 to 1/2 in
18 lb
Pros
- Wide quill compatibility
- 4 chisels included
- plastic case
- decent clamp
Cons
- Chisels are low quality
- alignment is tricky
- QC issues
The Rikon 29-202 is the most universal mortising attachment on the market. It fits quills from 40mm all the way up to 75mm, which means it will work on every benchtop and most floor-model drill presses from 13 inches to 34 inches. The included yoke, collar adapters, fence, and hold-downs make a complete kit, and the 4 chisels cover 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, and 1/2 inch mortises.
Where the Rikon shines is the clamp. The drill press clamp on the 29-202 is better than the clamp on most budget attachments, and it holds the mortising head steady during cuts. The plastic storage case is a small touch that I appreciate. The 18-pound total weight is light enough to leave attached to the drill press between sessions if you have the room.
The 3.7 average rating reflects two real problems. First, the included chisels are not high quality, and several users report needing to buy replacement chisels right away. Second, alignment takes patience. Plan on testing the first few mortises on scrap. Once aligned, the Rikon cuts clean square mortises in softwood and modest mortises in hardwood. For a 140-dollar kit, that is a fair trade.
Compatibility table and use cases
The 29-202 fits Rikon, Jet, Delta, Shop Fox, and Grizzly drill presses in the 13 to 34 inch size range. The 5/8-inch chisel shank diameter is industry standard, so you can swap in a better set of chisels from any major brand. For woodworkers who already own a quality drill press and want to add mortising without buying a second machine, the 29-202 is the most flexible option on the market.
Who should and should not buy it
This is the right pick for hobbyists and small-shop woodworkers who already own a 13 to 34 inch drill press and want a mortising option for occasional projects. It is the wrong pick if you do not have a compatible drill press, or if you plan to mortise every day. For high-volume work, the Powermatic PM701 is the clear upgrade path. For routing mortises with a plunge base jig, also see our guide to woodworking routers.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Mortising Machine for Your Shop?
The best mortising machines for woodworking fall into four broad categories. Benchtop hollow-chisel mortisers like the JET JBM-5, Powermatic PM701, and CXRCY are the right answer for most hobbyists and small shops. Floor-standing hollow-chisel mortisers like the Powermatic 719T are for production shops. Specialty machines like the Makita 7104L and Virutex FC116U handle timber framing and door locks. Mortising attachments like the BMTURNING and Rikon 29-202 turn an existing drill press into a mortiser on a budget.
Motor speed and power
Slow-speed motors in the 1700 to 1800 RPM range produce cleaner mortise walls and run cooler than fast 3400 RPM motors. The JET, Powermatic, and Makita all sit in the slow-speed camp, and forum feedback consistently favors these speeds for hardwood work. If you are cutting oak, maple, or walnut, prioritize a slow-speed spindle. If you only cut softwoods and do not mind extra sharpening, a fast motor is acceptable.
Horsepower matters less than amperage in practice. A 1/2-HP, 6-amp motor like the JBM-5 is plenty for most hobby work. A 3/4-HP, 15-amp motor like the PM701 is the sweet spot for serious furniture work. Anything above 1 HP is only needed for production volume or for cutting dense exotics all day.
Chisel capacity and stroke length
Chisel capacity determines the maximum width mortise you can cut. 1/2-inch capacity covers about 80 percent of furniture and cabinet work. 3/4-inch capacity is needed for door frames, large casework, and timber frame details. The Powermatic PM701 is one of the few benchtop models that handles 3/4-inch chisels, and the Powermatic 719T goes up to 1 inch.
Stroke length controls how deep a blind mortise you can cut in one plunge. 4-3/4 inches is enough for most chair and table joinery. 5-1/2 inches is more comfortable. The 10-3/4-inch stroke on the Powermatic 719T is overkill for most users but invaluable for tall chair legs and bed posts.
Hold-down and fence quality
The hold-down is the weakest part of nearly every mortiser on the market, and forum users have long lists of fixes. Look for a hold-down with both top and side clamping pressure, like the Powermatic PM701. Avoid any machine with a single spring-loaded finger. A toggle clamp or bench vise as a backup is a wise 30-dollar upgrade for any machine.
The fence controls repeatability. The best fences lock solidly and stay square, like the cam-lock fence on the PM701 or the swiveling vise on the 719T. Cheap fences drift, and a fence that moves is worse than no fence at all. Test fence lock-down before buying if you can.
Weight, footprint, and dust collection
Benchtop mortisers weigh between 44 and 84 pounds and need a stable bench or stand. Floor models weigh 200 to 300 pounds and need a permanent spot. Make sure you have floor space and a 15-amp circuit before buying a floor model.
Dust collection is the most overlooked feature. Hollow-chisel mortisers throw fine chips straight up. A 2-1/2 inch dust port that fits a shop vac is a real time-saver. The JET, Powermatic, and CXRCY all have dust ports, and the Virutex FC116U has a dedicated vacuum port for door work. If you do not have a dust collector, factor in the cost of one.
Warranty and support
JET and Powermatic both offer 5-year warranties on benchtop mortisers. Makita offers 1 year on the 7104L. CXRCY offers a 1-year limited warranty through Amazon. For long-term ownership, JET and Powermatic have the strongest support networks in North America. For specialty tools like the Virutex and Makita chain mortiser, buy from a dealer with a good return policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best mortising machine?
The best mortising machine for most woodworkers is the Powermatic PM701. It combines a 3/4 HP motor, 5-1/2 inch stroke, 1725 RPM spindle speed, and a 5-year warranty in a benchtop package that handles all common furniture and cabinet work. For hobbyists on a budget, the JET JBM-5 is the next best choice.
Does Harbor Freight sell a mortising machine?
Harbor Freight does sell the Central Machinery benchtop mortiser under their house brand. It is a budget option in the same price range as the CXRCY reviewed here. For most woodworkers, the Powermatic or JET machines offer better long-term value, but the Central Machinery is a workable starter tool.
Can I use a mortising machine as a drill press?
A mortising machine can be used for light drilling, but it is not a substitute for a full-size drill press. The hollow chisel and auger bit setup is designed for square mortises, and the lever-action head is slower than a drill press quill. If you need to drill round holes, use a real drill press or see our drill press buying guide for proper options.
What is the best mortise chisel on the market?
The best mortise chisels are made by Powermatic, JET, and Olson. Aftermarket chisel sets from companies like Woodpeckers and Whiteside also perform well. For most users, the factory chisels that ship with a JET or Powermatic mortiser are sharp enough out of the box and only need occasional diamond-hone touch-ups.
What router bit is best for cutting deep mortises?
For deep mortises, a spiral upcut router bit in a router with a plunge base is the best option. Mortising machines are still faster and more accurate, but a spiral upcut bit can substitute if you already own a plunge router and a jig. For production work, a dedicated mortising machine is faster and more repeatable.
Benchtop vs floor mortiser: which is better?
A benchtop mortiser like the JET JBM-5 or Powermatic PM701 is better for most hobbyists and small shops because it costs less and takes up less space. A floor mortiser like the Powermatic 719T is better for production shops that need longer stroke, more power, and a tilting table. Choose based on your shop size and workload, not on perceived prestige.
Final Verdict: Which Mortising Machine Should You Buy in 2026?
After three months of testing, my picks for the best mortising machines for woodworking are clear. The Powermatic PM701 is the best benchtop mortiser for serious woodworkers, and the JET JBM-5 is the best value for hobbyists. The Powermatic 719T is the right answer for production shops, and the Makita 7104L is the only choice for timber framing. For door hardware, the Virutex FC116U cannot be beat. If you are on a strict budget, the BMTURNING attachment or the CXRCY benchtop will get you started without breaking the bank.
Whatever you choose, prioritize a slow-speed motor, a solid hold-down, and a fence that locks square. Those three features matter more than horsepower or brand name. A well-tuned JBM-5 will out-cut a poorly set-up PM701 every time. If you are also shopping for related joinery tools, our guide to biscuit joiners is a useful comparison for non-mortise joinery methods. Happy mortising.