I'm looking to invest in one tool but have a need for both a drill press and a mortiser. I work with hardwoods like maple and walnut, and while I know each tool has its own strengths, I would like to know if I can make a drill press work for mortising. Specifically, would it be feasible to use a forstner bit to start the mortise and then tidy it up with a hollow chisel bit? Or is a dedicated mortiser really the way to go?
4 Answers
I'd definitely go with the drill press! You can start by using a forstner bit to hog out most of the mortise and just clean the corners with a chisel. Drill presses are versatile and far more useful for various tasks than a mortiser. They can do what you need and then some!
Exactly! Getting those straight, repetitive holes done is a bigger deal than having perfectly square holes.
Drill press all the way! You can make various joints with it, and it can handle more than just mortises. I’d also consider a router for different tasks down the line—it might be a better fit depending on what you need.
For sure! I’d pick a router over a drill press any day when it comes to versatility.
Honestly, I can't imagine having a mortiser without a drill press in my shop! If I didn't have a mortiser, I’d still stick to methods like loose tenon joinery which work well without needing the mortiser.
If your budget allows, go for the largest drill press that fits your space. Smaller models often lack power and stability, making them a hassle. A forstner bit for roughing out mortises paired with chisels for cleanup works great. I previously had a hollow chisel mortiser and found it really time-consuming. Honestly, I replaced it with a Domino joiner and haven't looked back!
Definitely agree! The flexibility of a drill press just outweighs having a dedicated mortiser.
Plus, there's a mortising attachment available for drill presses which makes it super handy!