In this segment, host David Thiel uses a router to make a mortise and tenon.
Mortise-and-tenon joints are usually cut on a table saw. But, you can make them using a router as well. The joints are rounded when using a router (figure A), but they are just as strong as squared-off mortises and tenons. In this example, we’ve used a 2x4. You can use the same principles for whatever wood you are using in your project. Just adjust the size of the router bit. 1. Find the location of the mortise on a piece of 2 x 4. You can make the marks with an edge guide (figure B). Or, you can use a jig to hold the sides of the 2 x 4 (figure C). The jig limits the movement of the router during the cut.
2. Cut the mortise with a plunge router. Make one pass about halfway through the mortise, then plunge all the way on a second pass. 3. If you try to cut one tenon at a time with a router, you’ll find that the router doesn’t have enough support to cut. So, line up several boards, clamp them together, and cut several tenons at once (figure D). 4. Sand the edges of the boards (figure E).
5. To cut the shoulders for the tenon, place a board flat on your work table and clamp it down. Run the router across the board.6. Then, turn the board over, clamp it down again, and cut the other shoulder (figure F). 7. Sand again, if necessary. Round off the corners of the tenon with a utility knife (figure G).
RESOURCES :
Bosch Router
Phone: 877-267-2499 (Bosch99)
Web site: www.boschtool.com
Craftsman Plunge/Fixed Base Router Kit
Visit local Sears store
Free power hand tool catalog: 800-377-7414
Website: www.sears.com/craftman
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