We chose the relatively new Powermatic 701 to represent the heavier category of benchtop units. It is roughly $100 more than the Jet, and bits and chisels are sold separately. But you get a lot for the extra cash, starting with a 3/4 -hp motor that will power a 1/2 -in. chisel. The fence and table are larger, and there is more capacity (5 in. vs. 4 in.) under the nicely machined hold-down. And wider mortises can be made by moving the fence, which stays parallel to the chisel. A toolless clamp makes chisel changes faster, and they are easy to keep sharp, thanks to the diamond honing cone that is built into the tool caddy. The Powermatic 701 sells for around $480 and is available from www.powermatic.com.

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