2nd Round w/Mortiser

[Ken Weaver]

Got to the point in my mission end tables (3 of them) project where I got to use my mortiser again. The 1/4" bit went in like butter, a world of difference from the 1/2" I used on the leg mortises. This time around it was for the spindles in the end panels of the table. Once these are done on the other two tables, I'll be ready to start assembly.

Had one dryfit of the base parts and things seem to be coming together ok.

Process to date recorded in my project diary.

[Tom Miller]

Those really look like nice and solid joints, Ken!

Regards,
Tom

[LCHIEN]

re 1/4 mortise going easier than 1/2" mortise:

it has 1/4the the area being hogged out and probably more important
1/4th the chisel linear length being forced into the wood.

So overall probably 1/4th the effort even though you may be thinking
1/4 to 1/2 is 1:2 or half...

[Ken Weaver]

True mathematician that you are Loring, its plumb easier!

[cabinetman]

Someone once said "I just love it when a plan comes together". Those joints look like your job was made easy. I'm so used to doing M&T joints the old fashioned way. I've learned to make perfect markings, layout parts to be machined in a way they don't get mixed up and take enough time to fit all matching parts. Maybe one day when I'm rich and infamous, I'll buy one of those contraptions.



"I'M NEVER WRONG - BUT I'M NOT ALWAYS RIGHT"

[John Hunter]

Looks great!

[Ken Weaver]

Someone once said "I just love it when a plan comes together". Those joints look like your job was made easy. I'm so used to doing M&T joints the old fashioned way. I've learned to make perfect markings, layout parts to be machined in a way they don't get mixed up and take enough time to fit all matching parts. Maybe one day when I'm rich and infamous, I'll buy one of those contraptions.

I think those principles and processes still hold whether you're doing it the traditional way or using a mortiser. The old saying "measure twice, cut once, start over" still holds under all circumstances.

[MBG]

Nice work Ken - I've been following your lead since I bought the same tool a short while after you. I also started with samples using the 1/2" chisel - more effort than I expected. (I just saw a mortising hint at Wood magazine - they said to drill a hole on a DP smaller than the chisels bit dia. for your first cut - seems to make sense.)

Mike

[MilDoc]

Ordered the Woodcraft tenon jig while on sale, and have a Delta mortiser. Once the tenon jig arrives (tomorrow!) I plan to practice a lot. But I have the same idea - 2 craftsman end tables and a headboard. Hope mine turn out as nice!