How to Make a Mortise-and-Tenon

PowerPoint presentation with the steps to make a mortise-and-tenon woodworking joint.

1. EDU 290H Ryan Lewis How to Make a Mortise-and-Tenon

2. Mortise-and- Tenon Very strong joint More complicated to make than some other joints With tips and tricks, it can easy to make Always cut the mortise first Cut the tenon to fit in mortise Photo: p. 102, Wagner

3. Layout of Mortise-and- Tenon Start with two 2” x 11” x ¾” boards Label one board M and the other T On M, mark 1st line 2” from one end 2nd mark 2¼” from end 3rd mark 3¾” from end 4th mark 4” from end Draw straight lines across board in line with marks

4. Layout of Mortise-and-Tenon Between two inner lines, mark ¼” in from each side in two places Create lines parallel to sides of board and shade in center like picture

5. Layout of Mortise-and-Tenon On end of board, mark line 1” down from top edge On T, mark a line 7/8” in from one end

6. Creating the Mortise Use a machine called a mortiser Drills square holes Use the ¼” mortise bit To start, clamp in board and check board flushness to table

7. Setting Depth Open clamp on left side of machine Adjust depth of bit to line on end Close clamp on left side This engages stopper for depth

8. Starting the Mortise Center bit and align to one end Start drilling After cut, move bit about ½ the width of the bit and repeat

9. Drilling Process

10. Finishing Mortise Continue/finish to cut mortise After mortise is complete, it is optional to clean out mortise with a small mortise

11. Making the Tenon Adjust the blade slightly below ¼” After blade adjustment, set fence so the opposite side of the blade aligns with the layout line on board T

12. Making the Tenon Cut shoulders first (on 2” sides) Use multiple passes to cut length of tenon

13. Making the Tenon Flip and repeat Test fit and raise blade slowly to create tight fit

14. Making the Tenon By slowly creeping up the height of the blade, a perfect fit tenon can be cut

15. Making the Tenon After cutting shoulders, cut the cheeks using same procedure as shoulders Remember to flip Creep up on the depth of cut by slowly adjusting height After tenon fits, mortise-and- tenon is complete

16. Summary Remember, cut the mortise first Sneak up on the size of tenon to create a perfect fit By using proper layout and some of the techniques, making a mortise-and- tenon can be easy

17. Wagner, W. H. & Kicklighter , C. E. (2006). Modern Woodworking. Tinley Park, IL : The Goodheart -Wilcox Company, Inc All photos taken by Barrie Gostlin References