From FWW #241 (July/August 2014):

Street price: $320
Motor: 3/4 hp
Hold-down: Good
Clamping: None
Fence: Fair
Table: Very good
Depth stop: Good
Comments: Includes three chisels (1/2 in., 5/8 in., 3/4 in.)

Read  “Tool Test: Benchtop Mortisers,” (FWW #241)

From FWW #178 (July/August 2005):
 Properly set up and operated, a mortising machine cuts straight, square-sided mortises in relatively short order. The author had eight benchtop models shipped to his shop for a close examination. The Shop Fox has an outstanding lever arm: Its length makes it possible to cut with less effort, and the arm is especially easy to adjust. This model has a microadjustable fence and the greatest plunge depth of those tested. It’s also capable of cutting long or wide workpieces.

Read “Benchtop Mortisers,” (FWW #178)

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Oneida’s Super Cell Dust Collector

30-Gal with Wall Mount

Buy at Amazon

Shop Fox W1826

The thick, felted bag on this Shop Fox is a plus and a minus. On one hand, it makes the unit much less expensive than collectors with canister filters, and also lighter and easier to hang on the wall. Without a separate plastic bag to catch chips, however, they stay in the felt bag, and the shortish zipper on the bottom makes it tough to shake them out. Otherwise, the W1826 is an excellent value.

Buy at Amazon

Starrett 12-in. combination square

This accurate, robust, well-machined, easy-to-read combo square is as great as ever.

Buy at Amazon