+Pluses: Our Top Tool in a test of 10 benchtop mortisers. This well-engineered machine produced flawless mortise walls the fastest of any tested unit.
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It has rack-and-pinion fence-adjustment knobs on each side of the column and cam-action locks that engage faster than threaded locks. The right-angle handle moves to any of 10 positions, the depth stop locks solidly, rubber hold-ins keep boards tight to the fence, and you make all adjustments without tools except the chuck key. It has built-in spacers to set the gap between the chisel and bit, and also comes with a diamond sharpening cone.
–Minuses: This machine does not come with a set of chisels and bits. Powermatic’s optional, but test-best chisels cost $165 for a set of four. Or you can buy other brands of chisel sets for about half that.