Product Description
TSM-12 Benchtop Pocket Cutter Machine
Get all of the benefits of a Castle Professional Pocket Cutting Machine in a benchtop model - the TSM-12 routs the 6 degree, low-angle Castle Pocket with no tear out in less than 2 seconds. The superior low screw angle minimizes joint shift while providing strong, stable joints. The TSM-12 uses standard 110V electric, and does not require any shop air, so it’s ideal for jobsites, small shops, or the weekend woodworker.
The TSM-12 benchtop pocket cutter machine is the latest generation of the original Castle pocket cutter, many of which are still in use today. These machines have an amazingly long service life, and an outstanding reputation for their simplicity, robust build, and performance, and on the rare occasion one becomes available in the used tool market, it tends to sell quickly and at a price that’s close to the current MSRP.
The TSM-12 requires minimal set-up, so you’ll quickly be creating Castle quality with every pocket you cut.
Features and Benefits include:
- Cuts the Castle 6° low-angle pocket, for strong, stable, tight, and superior joints
- Equipped with:
- Bosch 1617EVS Router with a 3/8” three-flute solid carbide router bit for cutting the pocket
- Bosch Colt Router with a 9/64” premium drill bit for drilling the pilot hole
- Low-angle pockets minimize the need for clamping during assembly
- Wide throat opening for thicker stock – accommodates stock from 1/2"to 1-1/2" thick
- Adjustable web for handling various pocket screw lengths
- Integral work clamp and pocket cutting lever are ergonomically positioned for fast pocket cutting
- Two, integrated dust port knockouts for Shop Vac or 4" hose sizes
- Easy maintenance and bit changing
- Requires only basic, 110V power
- Durable, solid surface work top
- TSM-12 comes factory tested with minimal set-up required
Technical Specifications:
- Router: Bosch 2.25hp #1617EVS Router Motor
- Drill: Bosch Colt 1.0hp #PR20EVS
- Router Bit: Premium 3/8” Solid Carbide, Rough Mill
- Drill bit: Premium 9/64” Brad and Spur TiN-Coated Bit
- Power req: 110V, 15 amps
- Shipping weight: 65 lbs
- Footprint: 13.5W x 20L x 20H
Product Videos
Videos Hide Videos Show Videos
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TSM-12 Castle Pocket Cutter Overview
In this video, Phil from castle will outline all the features ...
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Castle TSM-12 Pocket Cutter Dust Panel
In this video, Phil will walk through how to build your own du...
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TSM 12 Pocket Cutter Machine Work Flow
Tune in to learn all about how to use your TSM-12 more efficie...
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TSM-12 Pocket Cutter Simple Work Stops
In this video, Phill will walk through the excellent features ...
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Castle TSM-12 Pocket Cutter Setup
Wondering how to set up your brand new TSM-12? Then tune in as...
Custom Field
Product Reviews
24 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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TSM-12
Great Machine. Pockets are really clean and professional. Interestingly. I injured m right hand last Sunday (unrelated to woodworking) so I had to have my Dad help me put the machine together. Once done I tested it but had to use my left hand. Still worked really well but that's where the TSM-22 would have come in handy. It will heal in a few days so I should be in business soon. Thank you for all of your help. I do like the You Tube video's; very helpful. Steve
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TSM-12
Amazing machine and drastically increased our productivity in the build process.
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TSM-12
Bought for my hobby shop. What a leap forward in technology and in ease of use. The lower angle holes are superior. The cleanliness of the cut is profound. The assembly is no longer "brute force" but more of a finesse - the clutch settings actually are critical and allow for a much more controlled assembly. The machine is easy to assemble, adjust and use. Expensive yes but for what you get over other methods the value is tremendous.
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AWESOME!
This machine is a game changer! Super simple to set up and use, cuts the time it takes for cutting pockets to almost nothing, and produces a flawless outcome! I highly recommend this pocket cutter machine to anyone!
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Initial set up and unpacking
Machine was packed well and did not have any damage. Instructions were clear and easy to follow. Machine set up only took 20 minutes. Test cuts were perfect out of the box without further adjustments. The fit and finish is excellent. I haven’t used it for any production work yet but it seems like a real workhorse. I look forward to using it for a long time.
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TSM-12 Pocket cutter
I've been wanting one of the Castle machines, basically ever since I knew they existed. Well I finally ordered one a couple weeks ago and it recently arrived. It certainly lives up to the hype. The machine came packaged extremely well, with everything inside as it should be. The instructions are very well written and with numerous pictures to help along the way. The operation of the machine is absolutely flawless, the pocket is cut cleanly, with no rough edges and a perfect hole is drilled to accept the screw. The assembly of the pieces that have been pocketed is also one of the easiest processes I've ever been through. You can almost hold the pieces with your hand, and they'll go together tight and without and of the "Kreg creep" that you get with other brands. To summarize my review, this is an amazing company that produces a world-class product, you'll not disappointed if you buy one.
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Increased productivity!
I recently left my office job to turn my hobby into a profession. The time I was spending with sub-par and awkward processes like pocket holes was a huge waste. I have many other skill sets to develop and time spent on busy work is costly. My TSM-12 cut this process time by maybe 75% (conservatively). It’s also much cleaner with permanent dust collection vs the mess I made with a drill. The holes are SO much cleaner, too. I know they shouldn't be seen anyway, but clean holes also add to accuracy. Which is my last point. The actual function is amazing. The low-angle entry really was a game changer. Most of my work still gets held with clamps for joining, but it’s not always necessary. Much less board movement, and I enjoy the cheese head style screws, too. Assembly was pretty simple, and the machine feels like one of the most “substantial” in my shop. Check my IG for an assembly video. @eight.and.wood
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Performance
Far superior to the Kreg counterpart machine. Easy to assemble and use. Good clean cuts, both with and across the grain. Centerline marking could use improvement. In this aspect the Kreg counterpart is better. All other aspects this the superior tool. 5 stars.
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Tan-12
How sweet it is. I loved the castle 110 machine so much I up graded to the bench top model. Couldn’t be happier.