Building Furniture Using Mortise and Tenon Joints (by Mariobrossh)

Indice

Want to build a piece of furniture with a true woodworker’s touch? The mortise and tenon joint is one of the oldest and strongest woodworking techniques. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make this type of joint—even with simple tools. You'll learn how to mark and cut both mortise and tenon accurately, and how to achieve a perfect fit. Ideal for anyone who values strength and traditional craftsmanship!

What Are Mortise and Tenon Joints?

Mortise and tenon joints are one of the oldest methods of joining wooden parts. They can be made in many ways, even by hand, using a saw and chisel. Personally, I used a router. However, for assembling furniture, I can assure you that using dowels is much better. These types of joints are rarely used nowadays, except occasionally for window frames, chairs, or drawers.

Diagram of a mortise and tenon joint

How to Make Mortise and Tenon Joints Using a Router

Here's a brief description of how I make mortises and tenons with a router. I recommend being very careful and getting comfortable with the machine, though not overly confident.
Before you start using a router, I suggest watching some videos on YouTube—just search for "router by hand."
First, based on the router bits you have and the pieces you need to join, calculate the dimensions for the tenon and mortise. Then, mark the pieces accordingly. This step applies even if you decide to make them by hand.

Depending on the cutters to be used, the pieces of wood are marked

Next, secure the piece to the workbench using woodworking clamps, along with some scrap pieces that will serve as a guide.

We fix the pieces to the bench with carpenter's clamps

Preparing the Mortise

Position the router and check by manually rotating the bit (with the plug disconnected) to ensure that the cut aligns with the markings.

Positioning the cutter to prepare the mortise

Next, carry out the first pass by plunging the router bit only 5 mm deep. Then, with successive passes, each 5 mm deep, reach the determined depth, which corresponds to the tenon's depth.

Preparing the mortise

Preparing the Tenon

Now proceed with the tenon by measuring and setting the cutting depth on the machine, ensuring to make each pass 5 mm deep, even horizontally.

Preparing the cutter for working the tenon

This is one side of the tenon done. To complete the other side, just flip the piece over, and you're good to go!

Procedure for working the tenon

The Final Result

This is the final outcome of the assembled joint.

Final result of the mortise and tenon joint

Anyone interested in asking questions on this topic can do so in the ongoing discussion on the forum at the following link:
https://www.ilsitodelfaidate.it/FDTForum/viewtopic.php?t=8561

Thank you
Mariobrossh.

Warning!

The advice and instructions provided on this site come from hobbyists rather than professional technicians, meaning there is no guarantee that they are accurate or represent the best solution.
Additionally, using the tools and techniques described here should be done with careful consideration of one’s own abilities.
These articles assume that the tasks will be performed by individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to use the required tools safely, without risking harm to themselves, others, or property.
Therefore, the owners of this site cannot be held responsible for any direct or indirect damages resulting from the application of the content found here.
Before undertaking any DIY activity, it is strongly recommended to read the Safety Notice, which provide a basic (though non-exhaustive) list of precautions to follow.

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