1/2 Inch Square Hole Drill Bit for Woodworking - Sharp & Durable Mortising Chisel Set - Power Tool for Cabinet Making, Furniture Repair & DIY Wood Projects

I needed to cut some 3/4" mortises into fairly soft hardwood (Red Grandis). This got the job done with difficulty using the Powermatic mortising machine (sold here on Amazon). The first cuts are always the most difficult regardless of the manufacturer, but these were very difficult to pull out of the mortise and trying to raise the bit would result in the outer bit being pulled out of the mortising machine while the auger bit stayed in. I had bought some Powermatic mortising bits but the 3/4" one was too long to fit the work piece under it. So, I bought this shorter one here and while it did eventually get the job done, it was slow going and difficult. The Powermatic bits worked so much better. Only the 3/4" Powermatic one was too long. If you're contemplating getting a mortising machine, the Powermatic is very good and has excellent documentation. The alternative to this would be using Forstner bits on a drill press and doing a lot of chisel work to square the cuts. The Powermatic mortiser does not produce perfect results and some cleanup of the base of the mortise with a chisel is usually still required, but that is only a minor drawback compared to the significant time and improved quality that the mortiser delivers.