Mortisers
Hollow Chisel and Chain Mortisers
A mortiser cuts square-walled mortises for mortise and tenon joints. Most of this collection is hollow chisel machines: the Powermatic PM701 and 719T, Shop Fox W1671, Jet benchtop mortise machine, Rikon 34-260 with X/Y table and 34-255 with extension wings, and the Maksiwa FH.16.C. The Makita 7104L is a portable chain mortiser for timber framing, and the Mafell DD40P Duo Dowel system is a doweling machine listed alongside them.
What to Look For
- Capacity. Check chisel capacity: the Jet benchtop lists 1/2 inch, while the Maksiwa floor machine lists 5/8 inch.
- Table. An X/Y table moves the work under the chisel without re-clamping.
- Power. More motor power cuts hardwood mortises with less stalling.
- Portable or stationary. A chain mortiser goes to the beam; a hollow chisel mortiser stays in the shop.
Shop mortisers at The Tool Nut, an authorized dealer since 1994, with free shipping on most orders and rewards points on every purchase.
Mortisers FAQ
Mortiser or Domino?
A hollow chisel mortiser cuts a traditional square mortise for a full tenon. A Festool Domino cuts a slot for a loose tenon and is portable. Furniture makers often own both.
What is a chain mortiser for?
The Makita 7104L cuts deep, wide mortises in beams and posts with a chain, which suits timber framing and large joinery that will not fit a benchtop machine.