Benchtop Mortiser

[SCOTT ANDREWS]

I'm Getting Ready To Purchase A Benchtop Mortise Machine And Would Like Some Input From The Members Here On Which Brand Seems To Be The Most Reliable,accurate,and Well Built.cost Is Not A Factor In My Decision,just Your Opinions On Quality And Performance.thank You All In Advance.
Scott

[Gary Keedwell]

Hi,
I would search for one that had a good sized table and some kind of mechanisim to push the stock up against the fence. ( cams look promising). Also, be aware that some machines do not come with chisels and bits. (sounds like dog food) LOL
Remember, your machine is only as good as the chisels, so invest wisely.
Gary K.

[Nancy Laird]

Steel City makes a very nice benchtop mortiser, with outriggers to provide up to 35" of work support. It's a 1/2hp and has a 5" stroke. There is a 2-1/4" riser block available for extra height, includes four chisel-and-bit sets, rack-and-pinion head travel on dovetail ways and rack-and-pinion fence adjustment (the fence is 3" x 14-1/2").

Available at Woodworker's Supply for $269.99, riser block is $21.99.

Nancy

(As an aside, we have a WoodTek mortiser that we don't use any more since we purchased a MatchMaker that does perfect mortises and tenons with a router. LOML might be willing to part with ours--I'll have to ask him.)

[pat warner]

This one has a lot of application, requires your router to work.

[Darl Bundren]

I own and like the Steel City mortiser, too. Nice features at a fair price.

[mike bailey]

I have the general it works great.

[Brian Penning]

FWW did a review and found the General to be the best overall.
I have the non-tilting model and am very satisfied.
http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworki....aspx?id=25458

[Alan Tolchinsky]

I say don't buy one. First make one of those jigs that let you do mortises with a router. I have one and haven't used my mortising machine since. I use loose tenons with it and the fit is always perfect, as loose or as tight as you want. Mortising with a router and jig leaves very smooth walls compared to a mortise machine.

[Richard M. Wolfe]

WOOD magazine did a review some time back (June/July 2004 issue) and rated the General International as best.

[Cliff Rohrabacher]

General is putting PM to shame on the Benchtop.

If $$ isn't an issue why note get a floor model ??

Or a slot mortiser. I have a slot mortiser and I really like it.

[Doug Shepard]

I'm going to vote with Pat and Alan. Go with a router. After 6-7 years I finally sold my Delta mortiser a few months ago. It just wasn't getting used much if at all. The router takes a tiny bit longer but IMHO the results are a lot better. Plus it will do a whole bunch of other stuff too, which the mortiser wont.

[Paul Simmel]

I'm going to vote for the OP.


The OP asked which machine, not what other mortising alternatives there are for goodness sake!

I just ordered a Shop Fox MM. Why? Because it is highly acclaimed and it is said better than a Delta (believable).

Most of my mortises are done on a router table, with an upcut carbide spiral bit exposed. Against a fence, I drop my piece down on the bit to full depth, push to a stop, raise the piece… mortise done. Period. Very simple very effective. Extremely effective and IMO better than any fancy router jig.

Why a mortising machine in my shop then? That’s for me to know, and for you not to speculate on. Non of your business.

[Ken Milhinch]

I say don't buy one. First make one of those jigs that let you do mortises with a router. I have one and haven't used my mortising machine since. I use loose tenons with it and the fit is always perfect, as loose or as tight as you want. Mortising with a router and jig leaves very smooth walls compared to a mortise machine.

And those very smooth walls can be a source of gluing failure.
I use a Delta with a riser, and it does all I want. I don't have to manufacture loose tenons either .
The OP asked what brand was recommended, and my vote goes to Delta, though I am sure others are just as good.

[Ted Owen]

As another alternative, you might look at the new Festool Domino.

Best, Ted

[Brian Penning]

And those very smooth walls can be a source of gluing failure.

I'd be interested in any evidence that this is true.