---
product_id: 1097367
title: "Powermatic Benchtop Mortiser, 3/4\" Chisel, 5-1/2\" Stroke, 115/230V 1Ph (Model PM701)"
brand: "powermatic"
price: "R43297"
currency: ZAR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 3
category: "Powermatic"
url: https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/1097367-powermatic-benchtop-mortiser-3-4-chisel-5-1-2-stroke
store_origin: ZA
region: South Africa
---

# 5.5" stroke capacity Heavy-duty reversible handle 0.75 HP motor power Powermatic Benchtop Mortiser, 3/4" Chisel, 5-1/2" Stroke, 115/230V 1Ph (Model PM701)

**Brand:** powermatic
**Price:** R43297
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🔨 Mortise like a pro — precision, power, and speed in one benchtop powerhouse!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Powermatic Benchtop Mortiser, 3/4" Chisel, 5-1/2" Stroke, 115/230V 1Ph (Model PM701) by powermatic
- **How much does it cost?** R43297 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.za](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/1097367-powermatic-benchtop-mortiser-3-4-chisel-5-1-2-stroke)

## Best For

- powermatic enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted powermatic brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Effortless Setup:** Integrated bit & chisel spacers speed alignment and reduce downtime
- • **Rapid Adjustments:** Quick-action cam lock fence with rack & pinion for instant positioning
- • **User-Centric Design:** Tool-free reversible handle & magnetic chuck door for seamless operation
- • **Rock-Solid Stability:** Double-lock stock hold-down eliminates slippage for flawless cuts
- • **Precision Depth Control:** Inline depth stop for exact preset mortising without resetting

## Overview

The Powermatic PM701 Benchtop Mortiser delivers 0.75 horsepower at 1725 RPM with a 5.5-inch stroke, engineered for professional-grade mortising. Featuring a heavy-duty reversible handle, integrated bit and chisel spacers, and a double-lock stock hold-down system, it ensures precision, stability, and quick setup. Its quick-action cam lock fence and magnetic chuck door enhance usability, making it the go-to tool for millennial managers who demand efficiency and craftsmanship in their workshop.

## Description

Product Description The PM701 Benchtop Mortiser features an in-line depth stop which allows the user to stop at preset depths without racking the mortiser bit to the base. Its heavy-duty reversible handle is so versatile that it can be changed from one side to the other quickly and easily and requires no tools to do so. The stock hold down features a specially designed double lock system. One locks from the side, the other locks from the top, to completely eliminate any slippage when removing the chisel from the work piece. This hold-down is also reversible to allow stock from 0 to 5" thick to be captured underneath it. The Powermatic 701 Benchtop Mortiser has a quick-action cam lock that will quickly lock the fence into position with one 90-degree movement. This lock also features lock nuts, so once set they will not have to be continually adjusted. Set-up has never been easier or more precise. The Powermatic 701 Benchtop Mortiser features an integrated bit and chisel spacer system. These two spacers are used to accurately and quickly account for the space needed between the bit and chisel during set-up. Large work surfaces in the table and fence allow for more stability and accurate cuts. The new mortiser also includes a large hinged chuck door with magnetic catch. This unique element allows the user to easily access the drill chuck with the standard 4" chuck key to lock the bit in place. In addition, its rack and pinion allow for simple and quick fence adjustments. From the Manufacturer The Powermatic Model 701 benchtop deluxe mortiser is powered by a 3/4-horsepower, 115-volt motor that runs at 1725 rpm and has a chuck capacity of 1/2-inch. The head-stroke capacity is 5-1/2-inches and the chisel center to fence is 4-3/8-inch with a chisel capacity up to 3/4-inch. There is an in line depth stop whichallows you to stop at pre-set depths without racking the drill bit to the base. The heavy-duty handle is reversible and can be changed from one side to the other and does not require any special tools, great for the left handed woodworkers out there. The stock hold down features a double lock system to eliminate any slippage when removing the chisel from the work-piece. The fence has a quick action cam lock to make positioning simple. Large hinged chuck door with magnetic catchallows you to easily access the drill chuck with the standard 4-inch chuck key. The fence is adjusted with by a rack and pinion system.

Review: Powermatic makes good tools - I have had a Powermatic model 66 table saw for nearly ten years, and it has been rock solid. Based on that experience and the reviews of others, when it came time to buy a mortising machine I assumed the tool would be built like a tank and last for generations. I can't speak to the last, but it is solidly constructed. This is the first mortising machine I have owned, and I have only used one other which was an industrial floor model machine at a school. The order arrived earlier than promised, and the packaging was in excellent condition. The tool and all its parts were in great condition, and it was very easy to set up. I checked the backstop and it was square to the table. I bolted it down to a rolling table so I could bring it out when I needed to. When I ordered the 701, the description of the item included "free open stand", so I was kind of expecting to receive a stand with it. I did not, and when I called desertcart they told me it was not included. I had printed out the page just in case I needed it, and while I was on hold as they checked with the manufacturer and I was transferred to another agent the web page was edited and the "free open stand" listed was removed. Guess what- the second customer service agent says "I don't see anything about a free stand". I told them I had printed it out and offered to fax it to them, at first they were hanging tough, then they said I could get a discount on a stand if I wanted to order one, then they just gave me a credit for the regular cost of a stand! Thank you desertcart! That was more than I expected them to do, and it makes me feel like telling others how good they were. Back to the mortiser- the motor is 3/4 horsepower, and it is heavy. As beefy as the column is, I was surprised to see it flex every time I turned on the power, but it didn't seem to affect the normal use of the tool. I got my chisel and bit sets the day after this arrived, so I wasted no time in sharpening them further so I could test it out (these chisels need to be very sharp for them to work well). I had trouble getting it set up right, because I thought the bit and chisel sets were either 8" or 9", mine was 8-3/8" so I added the chuck extension and things didn't fit right- the chisel to bit clearance was too great. The manual is not much help here, I went online and found that the normal range is 1/8" to 3/16" (I had nearly 1/2"), so I figured out that I did't need the chuck extension after all. Once that was back off, setup was a snap and I was cutting mortises. Again, the manual didn't spare much energy on describing normal operation, so back online I went to learn that I wasn't supposed to overlap cuts, but space them apart leaving bridges of wood, and coming back and removing them, in order to avoid the chisel being pushed to one side by an unbalanced cut. I have read that the hold down on this tool is not as bad as the competition, but still not as good as more expensive models. I found that in order to be able to shift the wood after the first cut, there had to be a little play between the hold down and the wood, and the front roller blocks and the wood- I ended up having to use pressure from my hands to keep the work aligned as I plunged into and removed the mortising chisel. Maybe with practice this will become easier, but after my first job entailing about 30 mortises I was still experiencing the same. I love owning and using quality tools, and this is a quality tool. It does what it is designed to do and it does it well. It has the lower RPM that many new design mortisers have in order to keep the drill and chisel sets from burning, and it has a bigger motor to keep it from bogging down at those speeds. If you need to make angled mortise and tenon joints, go for one of the bigger models at five times the price, but don't waste your time going cheaper than this, you'll only be disappointed. P.S.: I bought the Grizzly tenon jig to go with this, I wrote a review already on it- basically, it works but there must be an easier way to make consistent tenons that hopefully is less time consuming (and the instruction manual for that is awful). I didn't have time to make my own tenoning jig, but I'm not completely happy with that one.
Review: Nice machine but... - It just arrived today and I put it through a trail run. I ordered the Powermatic 1791096 Premium 4pc. Mortise & Chisel Set with it. The bench mortiser was packaged well but the box hadn't been banged around, it looked like it came right off the shelf. I didn't expect any damage. Delivery was great, the guys brought into my garage. The box weighs 94lbs (I weighed it!) For those who care, it's made in Taiwan. Set up was pretty easy, instructions clear and straightforward. It only required a 10mm wrench and a 3mm Allen key (not included). I installed a 1/4" mortise bit and ran a test on a piece of pine. The motor is very quiet but there's a noise just after it stops spinning. I'm guessing it's the magnetic starter disengaging. It required more pressure than I expected but I've never run a mortiser before. The handle is "L" shaped at the end and not the stick configuration in the photo. It was easy to control. The up and down movement was very smooth but a little tight, regardless how I set the gibs. I'm not complaining though. The fence moved easily and the wheels that keep the work tight to the fence operated smoothly. The hold down was not as good. It required some wiggling to get it to move up and down and once you tightened it down it applied more pressure to the workpiece requiring me to go back and ease some of the pressure. I had to set the hold down a bit loose so it wouldn't clamp the piece down when tightened. It's probably a bit out of square but I didn't check that. Squaring the chisel to the fence was a bit of a hassle. You have to lower the arm and keep it there to make the adjustment. The bit installation process requires you to set the chisel first, then the auger bit, then reset the chisel for proper clearance of the auger bit. I had to hold the handle down with my hip for the final squaring. Some sort of lockdown for this step would have been nice. On the down side, the stop is made out of plastic. Something this heavy that allows you to apply a lot of downward force should have a metal stop. I would have paid the extra $10 or so for this. The parts and chisel holder is also made of plastic and has only two slots for 3/4" chisels. The set I bought had four 3/4" chisels, made by PM. You'd think the company would have allowed for their chisels to have a place to go. The holder is molded plastic so there's no drilling out the holes without weakening the piece. I plan on making a metal holder soon. The bits I was less pleased with but I'll review them with the product. Overall it seems like a well made machine except for the plastic. Since I ordered this the price has jumped $66.00. That might have taken me to something else as it was a stretch to pay $374.

## Features

- Heavy-duty reversible handle can be installed to either side of the head without tools
- Two integrated bit and chisel spacers for quick set up
- Inline depth stop allows stopping at preset depths without racking the bit to the base
- Large, hinged chuck door with magnetic catch provides rapid access to the chuck
- Integrated chisel and tool holder with sharpening stone (chisels sold separately)
- Quick-action cam lock will quickly lock fence in position with one 90-degree movement
- Stock hold-down with a double lock system, top and side, helps eliminate workpiece slippage

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B000BX1JQU |
| Amperage | 15 Amps |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Battery Cell Type | Lithium |
| Best Sellers Rank | #159,923 in Tools & Home Improvement ( See Top 100 in Tools & Home Improvement ) #1 in Power Mortisers |
| Brand | Powermatic |
| Color | Powermatic Gold |
| Customer Reviews | 4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars (202) |
| Date First Available | October 20, 2005 |
| Drill Type | Drill Press |
| Drilling Capacity Wood | 5 Inches |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00662755870644 |
| Horsepower | 0.75 |
| Included Components | Mortiser, 3/4" Chisel Bushing, Chuck Extension Adaptor, Chuck Key, Operating Handle, Chisels (sold separately) |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Item Weight | 84 pounds |
| Item model number | PM701 |
| Manufacturer | Powermatic |
| Material | Cast Iron, Steel |
| Maximum Chuck Size | 0.5 Inches |
| Maximum Power | 0.75 Horsepower |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 1725 RPM |
| Part Number | PM701 |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Product Dimensions | 24.2"L x 19.2"W x 17.4"H |
| Speed | 1725 RPM |
| Style | Mortiser |
| UPC | 662755870644 |
| Voltage | 115 Volts |
| Warranty Description | 5 Year |

## Product Details

- **Amperage:** 15 Amps
- **Brand:** Powermatic
- **Maximum Rotational Speed:** 1725 RPM
- **Power Source:** Corded Electric
- **Voltage:** 115 Volts

## Images

![Powermatic Benchtop Mortiser, 3/4" Chisel, 5-1/2" Stroke, 115/230V 1Ph (Model PM701) - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51QFu8UemhL.jpg)

## Available Options

This product comes in different **Style** options.

## Questions & Answers

**Q: Does the head swivel so you can use it for oversized pieces?**
A: Yes, the head can be rotated 180 degrees for working on oversized pieces. I wish people that didn't know what they were talking about would stop answering these questions. As Geoff pointed out, the instructions are on page 15 of the manual, which you can download from the Powermatic web site.

**Q: what chisels does the machine come with?**
A: I believe it comes with 4 chisels 1/8"1/4"  3/8" and 1/2"

**Q: What is the minimum size table (width and depth) this will fit on?**
A: I have mine on a 20 x 20 inch table with rollers, so I can move it to where i'm working.. works great..

**Q: do any chisels and bits come with this mortiser and what is the return policy**
A: No.  I purchased four Power Matic super-sharp bits: 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, and 1/2.  I had a set of Delta mortising bits but opted for the Power Matic; my Delta buts never seemed to work right. I made a mortiser stand and cabinet on wheels to store the bits and extend the work surface.  I'd suggest you do that if you can.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Powermatic makes good tools
*by W***R on January 18, 2010*

I have had a Powermatic model 66 table saw for nearly ten years, and it has been rock solid. Based on that experience and the reviews of others, when it came time to buy a mortising machine I assumed the tool would be built like a tank and last for generations. I can't speak to the last, but it is solidly constructed. This is the first mortising machine I have owned, and I have only used one other which was an industrial floor model machine at a school. The order arrived earlier than promised, and the packaging was in excellent condition. The tool and all its parts were in great condition, and it was very easy to set up. I checked the backstop and it was square to the table. I bolted it down to a rolling table so I could bring it out when I needed to. When I ordered the 701, the description of the item included "free open stand", so I was kind of expecting to receive a stand with it. I did not, and when I called Amazon they told me it was not included. I had printed out the page just in case I needed it, and while I was on hold as they checked with the manufacturer and I was transferred to another agent the web page was edited and the "free open stand" listed was removed. Guess what- the second customer service agent says "I don't see anything about a free stand". I told them I had printed it out and offered to fax it to them, at first they were hanging tough, then they said I could get a discount on a stand if I wanted to order one, then they just gave me a credit for the regular cost of a stand! Thank you Amazon! That was more than I expected them to do, and it makes me feel like telling others how good they were. Back to the mortiser- the motor is 3/4 horsepower, and it is heavy. As beefy as the column is, I was surprised to see it flex every time I turned on the power, but it didn't seem to affect the normal use of the tool. I got my chisel and bit sets the day after this arrived, so I wasted no time in sharpening them further so I could test it out (these chisels need to be very sharp for them to work well). I had trouble getting it set up right, because I thought the bit and chisel sets were either 8" or 9", mine was 8-3/8" so I added the chuck extension and things didn't fit right- the chisel to bit clearance was too great. The manual is not much help here, I went online and found that the normal range is 1/8" to 3/16" (I had nearly 1/2"), so I figured out that I did't need the chuck extension after all. Once that was back off, setup was a snap and I was cutting mortises. Again, the manual didn't spare much energy on describing normal operation, so back online I went to learn that I wasn't supposed to overlap cuts, but space them apart leaving bridges of wood, and coming back and removing them, in order to avoid the chisel being pushed to one side by an unbalanced cut. I have read that the hold down on this tool is not as bad as the competition, but still not as good as more expensive models. I found that in order to be able to shift the wood after the first cut, there had to be a little play between the hold down and the wood, and the front roller blocks and the wood- I ended up having to use pressure from my hands to keep the work aligned as I plunged into and removed the mortising chisel. Maybe with practice this will become easier, but after my first job entailing about 30 mortises I was still experiencing the same. I love owning and using quality tools, and this is a quality tool. It does what it is designed to do and it does it well. It has the lower RPM that many new design mortisers have in order to keep the drill and chisel sets from burning, and it has a bigger motor to keep it from bogging down at those speeds. If you need to make angled mortise and tenon joints, go for one of the bigger models at five times the price, but don't waste your time going cheaper than this, you'll only be disappointed. P.S.: I bought the Grizzly tenon jig to go with this, I wrote a review already on it- basically, it works but there must be an easier way to make consistent tenons that hopefully is less time consuming (and the instruction manual for that is awful). I didn't have time to make my own tenoning jig, but I'm not completely happy with that one.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Nice machine but...
*by J***O on March 24, 2011*

It just arrived today and I put it through a trail run. I ordered the Powermatic 1791096 Premium 4pc. Mortise & Chisel Set with it. The bench mortiser was packaged well but the box hadn't been banged around, it looked like it came right off the shelf. I didn't expect any damage. Delivery was great, the guys brought into my garage. The box weighs 94lbs (I weighed it!) For those who care, it's made in Taiwan. Set up was pretty easy, instructions clear and straightforward. It only required a 10mm wrench and a 3mm Allen key (not included). I installed a 1/4" mortise bit and ran a test on a piece of pine. The motor is very quiet but there's a noise just after it stops spinning. I'm guessing it's the magnetic starter disengaging. It required more pressure than I expected but I've never run a mortiser before. The handle is "L" shaped at the end and not the stick configuration in the photo. It was easy to control. The up and down movement was very smooth but a little tight, regardless how I set the gibs. I'm not complaining though. The fence moved easily and the wheels that keep the work tight to the fence operated smoothly. The hold down was not as good. It required some wiggling to get it to move up and down and once you tightened it down it applied more pressure to the workpiece requiring me to go back and ease some of the pressure. I had to set the hold down a bit loose so it wouldn't clamp the piece down when tightened. It's probably a bit out of square but I didn't check that. Squaring the chisel to the fence was a bit of a hassle. You have to lower the arm and keep it there to make the adjustment. The bit installation process requires you to set the chisel first, then the auger bit, then reset the chisel for proper clearance of the auger bit. I had to hold the handle down with my hip for the final squaring. Some sort of lockdown for this step would have been nice. On the down side, the stop is made out of plastic. Something this heavy that allows you to apply a lot of downward force should have a metal stop. I would have paid the extra $10 or so for this. The parts and chisel holder is also made of plastic and has only two slots for 3/4" chisels. The set I bought had four 3/4" chisels, made by PM. You'd think the company would have allowed for their chisels to have a place to go. The holder is molded plastic so there's no drilling out the holes without weakening the piece. I plan on making a metal holder soon. The bits I was less pleased with but I'll review them with the product. Overall it seems like a well made machine except for the plastic. Since I ordered this the price has jumped $66.00. That might have taken me to something else as it was a stretch to pay $374.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review
*by T***B on October 27, 2024*

Powermatic did live up to its performance when set up properly. Makes mortifying so much easier and accurate than tools.

## Frequently Bought Together

- Powermatic Benchtop Mortiser, 3/4" Chisel, 5-1/2" Stroke, 115/230V 1Ph (Model PM701)
- Powermatic Premium Mortise Chisel and Bit Set (1791096)
- Taytools 468433 Hollow Chisel Mortise 2-Piece Set of Diamond Sharpening Hones 200 and 600 Grit for Chisels Up To 1/2 Inch

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*Product available on Desertcart South Africa*
*Store origin: ZA*
*Last updated: 2026-03-04*