
Mortiser machines are a great tool to have for woodworking, whether you’re a seasoned craftsman or you’re just starting to play with wood. These machines punch square holes into your wood. As it’s a machine, it will give you a precise and clean square hole, instead of creating one by hand. This can be when creating a mortise and tenon joint, as neatness counts.
A Few Things To Consider Before Buying A Mortiser Machine
One key consideration to look for is the power of its motor. Strong motors make punching holes quick and easy. Equally important, your machine should have a hold-down system, which will secure the wood in place and make sure your holes are as seamless as possible. Another consideration to look for is the size of its surface area. More surface area on its table will give you more leeway and make this process more efficient. Lastly, look at the length of the handle; longer handles give you more leverage and are more comfortable to hold.
Best Overall: POWERMATIC PM701 Benchtop Mortiser

This benchtop mortiser gives you all the essential features you need in a mortiser, with excellent quality. It has a 3/4-horsepower motor at 1,725 rpm with a 1/2-inch chuck. It comes with a double lock hold-down system, which will secure your wood in place. The handle is reversible and can be attached to either side of the machine.
Powermatic 701 Benchtop Mortiser, 3/4HP, 1Ph 115/230V (1791310)
This mortiser machine provides you with all the essential features you need: 3/4-horsepower motor, 1/2 chuck, a double lock hold-down system, and more.
Best Budget: Shop Fox W1671 Mortising Machine

The Shop Fox W1671 is a viable option for those looking for a mortiser at a lesser cost. It has a 3/4-horsepower motor with a 1/2-inch chuck. It comes with double doors on the headstock for quick access to the chuck and comes with a long handle with 9 inches of stroke. Additionally, it comes with a unique swiveling base, which allows you to adjust the height and depth.
Shop Fox W1671 - Mortising Machine
This mortiser machine is the best cost-effective choice for you, providing ample leverage, a 3/4-horsepower motor, and a swiveling base.
Best For Beginners: Jet Bench Mortiser

This mortiser is a less complicated mortiser machine, which is perfect for those who are inexperienced. It has a 1/2-horsepower motor at 1,752-rpm. It comes with an accessible on/off switch for safety measures, a long handle for leverage, and a three-jaw chuck.
JET JBM-5 Benchtop Mortiser, 1750 RPM, 1Ph 115V (708580)
This mortiser machine is a compact and less complicated compared to others. It has a 1/2-horsepower motor with a three-jaw chuck for better control.
Also Consider: RIKON 34-260 X/Y Mortiser

This mortiser comes with a variety of features designed for efficiency. It comes with a unique X/Y axis tabletop, which can be used with a handwheel to adjust the position of your workpiece. Moreover, the tabletop comes with a clamp to secure your workpiece as well. It has a 1/2-horsepower motor with a 1750-rpm.
RIKON Professional Power Tools Benchtop X/Y Mortiser, 34-260
This mortiser machine comes with a 1/2-horsepower motor, and a unique X/Y axis bench, which can adjust your wood 2-dimensionally.