For woodworking shops that cut mortises daily, the right machine saves time, tightens joinery, and produces cleaner results. We reviewed the top options across benchtop, floor standing, and pneumatic categories to help you choose the best mortising machine for your workflow. Each pick below fits a clear use case so you can buy with confidence.
Quick Summary Table: Best Mortising Machine
| Pick | Machine | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Editor’s Pick | Powermatic PM701 | Small to mid shops wanting accuracy and long term reliability |
| Best Benchtop | Jet JBM 5 Benchtop Mortise Machine | Compact shops and budget conscious buyers |
| Best for Heavy Production | Powermatic 717T | High volume mortising with premium precision |
| Best Pneumatic | Cantek PCM120 | Fast cycle times in professional furniture and cabinet shops |
1. Powermatic PM701 Mortiser
Editor’s Pick for 2026
Quick Summary
The Powermatic PM701 delivers accuracy, smooth control, and a build quality that holds calibration over years of use. It is the best mortiser machine for most cabinet and furniture shops.
Key Points
• Strong 3/4 HP motor balances speed and control
• Ideal for small to mid sized professional shops
• Premium value for long term durability
Why We Picked It
The PM701 hits the sweet spot. It feels stable on every cut, the fence locks down tight, and the long lever action gives smooth downward pressure. Shops that make entry doors, face frames, tables, and cabinets get consistent results with very little tuning. If you want the best mortising machine that is dependable and accurate without jumping to industrial pricing, this is the best all around choice.
2. Jet JBM 5 Benchtop Mortise Machine
Best Benchtop Pick
Quick Summary
The Jet JBM 5 is a compact benchtop mortise machine that offers strong performance in a small footprint. It is the best choice for shops that need affordability without giving up cut quality.
Key Points
• 1/2 HP motor handles hardwood mortising
• Best for small shops and starter setups
• Strong price to performance ratio
Why We Picked It
Jet’s benchtop design is simple, rigid, and easy to adjust. It is perfect for renovators, hobby pros, and smaller production shops that need repeatable mortises but do not need a floor model. The lever action feels smooth, and the machine stays accurate across many cycles. It is a top contender for buyers who want the best mortiser machine in a compact format.
3. Powermatic 717T Mortiser
Best for Heavy Production
Quick Summary
The Powermatic 717T is built for long shifts, tight tolerances, and consistent output. It is the best mortising machine for high production cabinet shops, door shops, and furniture plants.
Key Points
• Powerful 1 HP motor for deep and wide mortises
• Ideal for commercial and industrial shops
• Premium precision and cast iron stability
Why We Picked It
Everything about the 717T says industrial reliability. The table movement is smooth and predictable, the clamping system is strong, and the machine handles hardwoods without hesitation. If your team runs mortises daily and needs flawless consistency, this unit will outperform typical benchtop or hybrid designs. The accuracy makes it appealing for joinery that must pass tight QC standards.
4. Cantek PCM120 Pneumatic Hollow Chisel Mortiser
Best Pneumatic Production Mortiser
Quick Summary
The Cantek PCM120 uses pneumatic control to deliver fast, repeatable cycles. It fits production environments where every second counts and output quality must stay high.
Key Points
• Strong 2 HP motor for fast cycle times
• Best for furniture, millwork, and cabinet production lines
• Industrial clamping and positioning system
Why We Picked It
When speed matters, pneumatic actuation is the difference. The PCM120 is ideal for shops that run mortises all day and want consistent depth, reduced operator fatigue, and clean results. It cuts accurately across softwoods and hardwoods, and the build quality supports continuous use. It is the best mortiser machine for shops that need production scale output.
Final Take: Best Mortising Machines of 2026
If your shop needs clean, accurate mortises in 2026, each of these machines fills a clear role. The Powermatic PM701 is the strongest all around pick. The Jet JBM 5 is the best value benchtop mortise machine. The Powermatic 717T levels up precision for high production shops, and the Cantek PCM120 leads in speed for industrial workflows.
Want help choosing the best mortising machine for your shop? Wurth Machinery can guide you to the right solution based on your materials, production volume, and joinery demands.
