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Charnwood Bench Top Chisel Morticer Review: Accurate, Robust Morticing for Workshops

Charnwood 5/8'' Bench Top Chisel Morticer with Cast Iron Sliding Bed
4.5
[Accurate Sliding Table]  Precision sliding table system ensures exact chisel placement and consistent mortises.
[Large Timber Capacity]  Clamps timbers up to 125mm deep and 145mm high securely.
[Robust Cast Iron Build]  Full cast iron construction provides strength, rigidity, and vibration damping.
[Adjustable X-Y Movement]  Table moves through X and Y axes with adjustable downfeed handle for precise control.
[Smooth Plunge & Quiet Motor]  Gas-spring controlled plunging head and quiet induction motor deliver smooth, powerful operation.
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The Charnwood Bench Top Chisel Morticer is a bench-top morticer built for accurate, heavy-duty mortises in smaller workshops. Reliable clamping and cast iron construction give confidence when preparing joints for furniture and restorations. Will the sliding table and gas-assisted plunging head meet workshop demands?

⚡ At a Glance
  • Cutting Accuracy: Accurate sliding table system with X and Y movement for repeatable mortices
  • Best for: Woodworkers, furniture makers and restorers needing precise, repeatable morticing
  • Not ideal for: Trades needing a portable machine or machines for larger timbers beyond 125mm depth

Cast iron sliding bed and accurate sliding table system deliver rigidity and repeatable alignment. A gas-filled spring controls the plunging head while a quiet induction motor supplies steady power.


Secure clamping and generous capacity - with adjustable table and clamping up to specified sizes

Table moves through both X and Y axes while an adjustable down feed handle controls feed rate during cutting, allowing precise placement of the chisel. Clamping holds timbers up to 125mm deep and 145mm high securely during operation.

Secure clamping and multi-axis table movement enable repeatable mortices in thicker stock, making consistent joinery quicker and less error-prone.

Rigid, vibration-free operation - with cast iron construction throughout

Cast iron throughout the bed and sliding components increases mass and reduces flex under cutting loads, which lowers vibration and helps maintain alignment between chisel and workpiece.

Greater rigidity produces cleaner mortice faces and extends the life of cutters while improving overall accuracy for furniture-grade joints.

Controlled plunging and steady power - thanks to gas-filled spring and quiet induction motor

A gas-filled spring manages the plunging head, offering smooth, assisted returns and consistent control during plunges, while a quiet induction motor supplies steady torque for sustained cutting.

Assisted plunging reduces operator fatigue and improves depth consistency, and the quiet motor keeps workshop noise lower during repetitive work.

✨ The 4 Key Reasons for Charnwood Bench Top Chisel Morticer
  1. Cast iron construction - Maximises rigidity for cleaner mortices and reduced vibration
  2. Sliding table system - Enables precise X and Y movement for repeatable cuts
  3. Generous clamping capacity - Holds timbers up to 125mm deep and 145mm high
  4. Gas-assisted plunging head - Reduces operator effort and improves depth control consistency
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
  • Category: Bench-top hollow chisel morticer
  • Brand: Charnwood
  • Max timber depth: 125mm
  • Max timber height: 145mm
  • Construction: Cast iron throughout
❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size of timber can be used with this morticer?

A: Timbers up to 125mm deep and 145mm high can be clamped securely for morticing.

Q: How sturdy is the construction?

A: Cast iron throughout gives strength and rigidity, and user feedback describes the build as heavy duty and robust.

Q: How is plunge action and power handled?

A: Plunging head is controlled by a gas-filled spring for smooth action, while a quiet induction motor delivers steady power.

🏆 Our Verdict

The Charnwood Bench Top Chisel Morticer suits workshop woodworkers and furniture makers who need accurate, repeatable morticing. Cast iron construction combined with an accurate sliding table and gas-assisted plunging head is the defining strength for cleaner, consistent joints. For teams looking for a durable, long-term bench morticer, the robust build and reliable mechanics justify the investment.