EDU 290H

Ryan Lewis

How to Make a Mortise-and-Tenon

Mortise-and-TenonVery strong jointMore 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

Layout of Mortise-and-TenonStart with two 2” x 11” x

¾” boardsLabel one board M and

the other TOn M, mark 1st line 2”

from one end2nd mark 2¼” from end3rd mark 3¾” from end 4th mark 4” from endDraw straight lines

across board in line with marks

Layout of Mortise-and-TenonBetween 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

Layout of Mortise-and-TenonOn end of board,

mark line 1” down from top edge

On T, mark a line 7/8” in from one end

Creating the MortiseUse a machine called

a mortiserDrills square holesUse the ¼” mortise

bitTo start, clamp in

board and check board flushness to table

Setting DepthOpen clamp on left

side of machineAdjust depth of bit to

line on end

Close clamp on left side

This engages stopper for depth

Starting the MortiseCenter bit and align

to one endStart drilling

After cut, move bit about ½ the width of the bit and repeat

Drilling Process

Finishing MortiseContinue/finish to

cut mortiseAfter mortise is

complete, it is optional to clean out mortise with a small mortise

Making the TenonAdjust 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

Making the TenonCut shoulders first

(on 2” sides)Use multiple passes

to cut length of tenon

Making the TenonFlip and repeatTest fit and raise

blade slowly to create tight fit

Making the TenonBy slowly creeping

up the height of the blade, a perfect fit tenon can be cut

Making the TenonAfter cutting

shoulders, cut the cheeks using same procedure as shoulders

Remember to flipCreep up on the depth

of cut by slowly adjusting height

After tenon fits, mortise-and-tenon is complete

SummaryRemember, cut the

mortise firstSneak 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

Wagner, W. H. & Kicklighter, C. E. (2006). Modern Woodworking. Tinley Park, IL : The Goodheart-Wilcox Company, Inc

All photos taken by Barrie Gostlin

References