There is no one ideal choice. There is no one mortiser that can do it all.
That's why I have four of them.
For a long time i made do with one but it limited my options and making a living in this game, you need as many options as you can offer.
The hollow chisel is great between 6mm and up to about 16mm. But go much bigger and you are pushing the limits, especially in hardwood. Australian hardwood ? I wouldn't recomend it myself.
Horizontal borer/ router type's ?
Fast and cheap if you don't mind rounded ends. I don't like them because most of the mechanical grab of a tenon is lost with round end's.
Chain's are fast and perhaps the only option for wide mortises. But unless your framing big timbers for gates, posts etc probably not your first option.
Oscillating chisel is the go for architectural joinery no doubt about it. But they require lots of compressed air, they are expensive.
It's a machine that requires skilled trained operation.
I don't like Domino's and biscuit tenons but they are cheap and quick.
It's a very weak joint that will eventually give way. Shock loads are the killer.
Dowels, Kreg etc ?
Fast and dirty but won't get past thirty.
If your budget is tight, just use a drill press and Brad point bit and clean up the corners with a sharp chisel. I still do that for Windsor type seats because it's stronger than a round tapered wedged joint. Especially if you leave a shoulder on the underside.
Mortisers are a necessity in a commercial shop but for an honest hobby guy ? You can manage without one and get just as good a result. It will take a little longer though.
There is a lot of bad and faulty advice on line and on YouTube etc re Mortisers.
They are a machine that needs careful attention to operate properly. But properly cared for and maintained they are essential for quality joinery and productivity.
If you enjoy tweaking and optimising your gear then get a good used one. Most of the new stuff is okay but lacks rigidity.
How to choose a Mortiser.
#1
