Best Mortisers and Drill Press Attachments for Woodworking
The best choice for a drill press depends on whether you want to convert a press for square-hole work or use a dedicated mortising machine. The VEVOR attachment is best for buyers seeking a drill press accessory with four drill models and five bushings; the Tenon Tools attachment is another drill press option. For a standalone machine, the Powermatic offers a 3/4-inch chisel and 5-1/2-inch stroke, while the JET has a 1/2-inch chisel and 4-3/4-inch stroke. The other benchtop mortiser lists three chisel sizes and a 3/4 HP motor.
| Product | Type | Notable listed detail |
|---|---|---|
| Tenon Tools Mortising Attachment | Drill press attachment | For drill press and woodworking |
| Powermatic PM701 | Benchtop mortiser | 3/4-inch chisel; 5-1/2-inch stroke |
| JET JBM-5 | Benchtop mortiser | 1/2-inch chisel; 4-3/4-inch stroke |
| 3/4 HP Benchtop Mortiser | Benchtop mortiser | Three listed chisel sizes |
| VEVOR Mortising Attachment | Drill press attachment | Four drill models; five bushings |
Tenon Tools Drill Press Mortising Attachment
This attachment is best for woodworkers who already have a drill press and want a mortising accessory rather than a separate benchtop machine. Its product name describes it as a mortising attachment for a drill press and woodworking, with a bench drill locator set for square-hole chisel drilling.
Choose this if your main goal is to use a drill press setup for mortising and you prefer an attachment-style tool. The listed information does not specify chisel sizes, included bushings, or drill press compatibility details, so confirm those requirements before buying. Avoid choosing it as a standalone machine: it is identified as an attachment.
Powermatic PM701 Benchtop Mortiser
The Powermatic PM701 is best for buyers who want a dedicated benchtop mortiser with a 3/4-inch chisel and a 5-1/2-inch stroke. Its listed electrical configuration is 115/230V, single phase. These specifications make it a useful comparison for shoppers prioritizing the stated chisel size and stroke over a drill press attachment.
Choose this if a standalone mortiser and the listed 3/4-inch chisel suit your work. Its 5-1/2-inch stroke is the longest stated stroke among the products here. The listing identifies it as a benchtop machine, not a drill press attachment, and the provided product details do not give additional chisel sizes.
JET JBM-5 Benchtop Mortiser
The JET JBM-5 is best for shoppers comparing a compactly specified benchtop mortiser with a 1/2-inch chisel and 4-3/4-inch stroke. It is listed for 115V, single-phase power. Those details let buyers compare its stated cutting capacity and electrical configuration with other dedicated machines.
Choose this if the listed 1/2-inch chisel and stroke fit the mortises you plan to make. It has a shorter stated stroke than the Powermatic PM701, so buyers who specifically need the longer listed stroke should compare those models carefully. The product information provided does not state additional chisel sizes.
3/4 HP Benchtop Mortising Machine
This benchtop mortiser is best for buyers who want a machine listing three chisel sizes: 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 inch. The product name also specifies a 3/4 HP motor and 3400 RPM, and describes making round holes, square holes, or special square holes.
Choose this if having several listed chisel sizes is more important than selecting a machine by a stated stroke length; no stroke measurement appears in the supplied product name. The name calls it a benchtop mortising machine, so it is not presented as an attachment for an existing drill press.
VEVOR Drill Press Mortising Attachment
The VEVOR attachment is best for drill press owners comparing accessory sets. Its listed features include four model drills, a square-hole chisel set, and five bushings. The product is described for mortising and tenoning, making it the most explicitly detailed attachment option in this selection.
Choose this if you want the listed bushings and drill models as part of a drill press mortising setup. Because it is an attachment, it is not a standalone benchtop mortiser. The product name does not identify exact chisel sizes or particular compatible drill press models, so verify fit and included components before purchase.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Mortiser For A Drill Press
Do you need an attachment or a dedicated machine?
A drill press attachment is the relevant category if you already own a press and want to add mortising capability. The Tenon Tools and VEVOR products are identified as attachments. A benchtop mortiser is a separate machine; the Powermatic, JET, and 3/4 HP model belong to that category. Compare the setup you have with the type of tool you intend to buy.
Which chisel size and stroke matter?
Compare listed specifications with the mortise dimensions you expect to make. The Powermatic lists a 3/4-inch chisel and 5-1/2-inch stroke. The JET lists a 1/2-inch chisel and 4-3/4-inch stroke. The other benchtop model lists 1/4-, 3/8-, and 1/2-inch chisels, but no stroke measurement in its product name. Do not assume unlisted sizes or capacity.
What should drill press owners verify?
Before selecting an attachment, check its stated compatibility, the required components, and whether the included bushings or chisels match your planned work. The VEVOR name lists five bushings and four model drills, but does not specify exact compatibility in the provided details. Confirm the complete listing rather than relying on the general phrase “for drill press.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a drill press be used for mortising?
A mortising attachment is designed to pair with a drill press for mortising work. Check the attachment’s compatibility and setup requirements before purchase.
Is a mortising attachment the same as a benchtop mortiser?
No. An attachment is an accessory for a drill press, while a benchtop mortiser is listed as a separate machine.
Which product lists the longest stroke?
The Powermatic PM701 lists a 5-1/2-inch stroke. The JET JBM-5 lists a 4-3/4-inch stroke.
Which option lists the most chisel sizes?
The 3/4 HP benchtop mortiser lists three sizes: 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 inch.
Do the attachments list exact drill press compatibility?
The supplied product details do not name specific compatible drill press models. Check the full listing for fit requirements before ordering.