Key Features
Repeatable Depth ControlThe in-line depth stop lets you hit preset mortise depths without racking the bit down to the base. That means faster setup for repeated joinery and more consistent results from piece to piece. Stable, Accurate SetupA 12-1/2 inch x 2-5/8 inch rack and pinion fence with quick-action cam lock makes positioning simple and repeatable. Large work surfaces on the table and fence help keep stock steady while you cut. Benchtop Mortiser ConvenienceThe Powermatic 1791310 PM701 Mortiser, 3/4HP 1PH 115/230V keeps serious mortising capability in a bench-mounted footprint. The reversible handle, hinged chuck door, and onboard holder make daily use easier in smaller shops.
Overview
The Powermatic 1791310 PM701 Mortiser, 3/4HP 1PH 115/230V is a bench top mortiser built for woodworkers who want clean, repeatable mortises without giving up a lot of floor space. This is a mortiser designed for precision joinery work such as mortise and tenon cuts in furniture, cabinetry, and general woodworking. Model Number PM701. With a 3/4 horsepower motor, 1,725 RPM spindle speed, and 115/230V single-phase power, it is aimed at the shop user who wants dedicated mortising performance instead of trying to force the job through a drill press or a loose jig setup.
What matters most on a machine like this is control, and that is where the PM701 earns its keep. The in-line depth stop lets you stop at preset depths without racking the bit to the base, which saves time when you are cutting repeated mortises and helps keep your results consistent. The 5-1/2 inch chisel stroke gives the head enough travel for common furniture and cabinet work, while the dual-lock stock hold-down secures the workpiece from the side and the top to reduce slippage as the chisel is pulled back out of the cut.
Fence adjustment is handled with a rack and pinion design instead of the usual fight-and-bump routine. Powermatic pairs that with a quick-action cam lock, so once your fence is dialed in, locking it down is fast and straightforward. The fence itself measures 12-1/2 inches by 2-5/8 inches, and the larger table and fence surfaces give better support for workpieces during setup and cutting. In practical terms, that means less fussing with alignment and a better chance of getting straight, repeatable joinery on parts that actually need to match.
The PM701 is also built with shop use in mind, not just catalog specs. The heavy-duty operating handle is reversible and can be moved from one side to the other without tools, which is a small detail that makes a real difference depending on your bench layout and dominant hand. Powermatic also includes integrated bit and chisel spacers to simplify setup, so you are not guessing at spacing during assembly. A large hinged chuck access door with magnetic catch makes bit changes easier, and the onboard chisel and tool holder helps keep the essentials on the machine instead of scattered around the bench.
From a power and layout standpoint, this benchtop mortiser is wired for flexibility. It runs on 115/230V single-phase power and comes prewired for 115V, which makes it easier to put into service in many home and small professional shops. The 1/2 inch chuck size and included chuck key support routine mortising setup, and the net weight of 84 pounds gives the machine enough mass to feel planted on a bench without turning it into an impossible lift during installation.
If you build doors, face frames, tables, chairs, or any project where proper mortise and tenon joinery matters, this machine makes a lot of sense. It is a good fit for cabinet shops, furniture builders, remodelers with a woodworking focus, and serious DIY users who want a dedicated mortiser instead of a workaround. If your work only occasionally needs a mortise, a jig may get you by. If you cut them often and want faster setup, cleaner repetition, and a machine that is purpose-built for the job, the PM701 is the smarter buy.
Dial In Consistent Mortise Depths
The in-line depth stop is one of those features you appreciate more the second you need matching mortises across a run of parts. It keeps depth setting straightforward and repeatable, which helps when you are doing joinery work that has to line up cleanly at assembly.
- In-line depth stop allows preset depth cutting without racking the bit to the base
- 5-1/2 inch chisel stroke provides the travel needed for common mortising tasks
Faster Fence Setup, Better Workpiece Support
A mortiser is only as useful as its setup stays put. The PM701 uses a rack and pinion fence and quick-action cam lock so adjustment is controlled instead of fiddly, and the larger fence and table surfaces give stock better support while you work.
- Fence size is 12-1/2 inches x 2-5/8 inches
- Quick-action cam lock secures the fence with a simple locking movement
Easier Access for Bit Changes and Setup
Some machines make routine changes harder than they need to be. The PM701 adds a large hinged chuck door with magnetic catch so getting to the chuck is easier, which cuts down on setup frustration and helps keep the machine in use instead of sitting idle.
- Large hinged chuck door improves access to the chuck area
- Integrated bit and chisel spacers help speed up initial setup
What’s in the Box
- Powermatic PM701 benchtop mortiser
- Integrated chisel and tool holder with sharpening stone
- 1/2 inch drill chuck
- 4 inch chuck key
- Removable safety switch key
- (2) Integrated bit and chisel spacers
Key Specifications
| Motor Output | 3/4 HP |
|---|---|
| Input Power | 115/230V Single Phase |
| Prewired Voltage | 115 V |
| No-Load Speed | 1,725 RPM |
| Chisel Stroke | 5.5 in. |
| Chisel Center to Fence | 4.37 in. |
| Chuck Size | 1/2 in. |
| Net Weight | 84 lbs |
Built For
WoodworkingCabinetryFurniture BuildingMortise and Tenon JoinerySmall Shop BenchesRemodeling Shops
Pro Tip
Use the integrated bit and chisel spacers when setting up a fresh chisel and bit instead of eyeballing the gap. It speeds up setup and helps the chisel clear chips the way it should, which usually means a cleaner cut and less fighting during the plunge.
Warranty & Support
5 Year warranty.
Tool Nut’s Take
Tool Nut’s Take
Powermatic 1791310 PM701 Mortiser, 3/4HP 1PH 115/230V Is a Smart Pick for Serious Joinery
This is the kind of dedicated shop machine that saves time every time you have a stack of mortises to cut and want them to come out the same.
- Who it’s for: Woodworkers, cabinet builders, and furniture makers who cut enough mortises to justify a real benchtop mortiser.
- Why it stands out: The depth stop, rack and pinion fence, dual-lock hold-down, and easy chuck access all solve the annoying parts of mortiser setup and repeat work.
- Worth knowing: This is a bench top machine, so it makes the most sense in a shop that values dedicated joinery capability over all-purpose portability.
Common Questions
- What kind of power does the PM701 use? It runs on 115/230V single-phase power and comes prewired for 115V.
- How much travel does the mortiser have? The listed chisel stroke is 5.5 inches.
- How is the fence adjusted? The fence uses a rack and pinion design with a quick-action cam lock for fast positioning and locking.
- Is this a floor-standing mortiser? No. The PM701 is a bench top mortiser designed to be mounted on a bench or work surface.
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