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I always say that the most-used machine in my shop is a table saw. Second to that is a floor model mortiser – I learned back in 2000 how important this machine was to a guy building period furniture. (I wore out two benchtop units before I ponied up the cash for the big boy toy.)
I know that my approach to shop machinery is different than many of you reading this blog. I was aiming to be a professional, so tools and machines were my lifeblood. To me, my mortiser was worth every penny spent. While you may not feel the necessity to purchase a floor model mortiser, you should, if you build furniture using mortise-and-tenon joinery, have a mortiser – not just a contraption that bolts on to your drill press.
Benchtop models have come a long way since my woodworking beginnings. Today, benchtop units are more robust and respected. Every woodworking school in which I’ve taught has two, three or more mortise machines, be they foot operated machines, floor models or the benchtop variety.
In the October 2011 issue of Popular Woodworking Magazine, the lead tool in our “tool test” column is a very robust mortise machine from General International. The video below gives you a quick look at the machine. The article in the magazine provides more information and details. I would look seriously at this machine if I were in the market for a benchtop mortiser.
There are other ways to create mortises in woodworking. What method do you use?
Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work around the shop. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality.
