| Arts and Crafts Nightstand -- Tenons for Joinery |
From "Wood Works"
episode WWK-104 |
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With the legs made and mortises cut, the next phase in construction of the arts and crafts nightstand is to complete the joinery by making the tenons. The cuts for the tenons are made on the table saw, using a tenoning jig. Materials: Quarter-sawn white oak stock
Table saw with fence
Tenoning jig
Band saw
Table router; bevel bit
Multi-router
Bar clamps
Masking tape
Marking pen
Yellow wood glue
Safety glasses
Note: Cut sizes may vary. For exact measurements, please contact David Marks through his Website -- information below under Resources. Safety Alert: Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses when working with wood, saws, drills, routers, etc. Steps - With the jig, the stock being cut is clamped into place on the jig, where it is held secure while the board slides over the table-saw blade to make the cut, forming one side of the tenon.
- The stock is removed, repositioned and clamped in place, then another pass is made on the band saw to make the next cut. The process is repeated until the tenon is complete (figure A). This process is used to cut tenons on the aprons, stretchers and rails.
- For the rails, the rail stock is butted up against the stop-block on the table saw (figure B). It is then rotated until all of the cuts have been made, all the way around the shoulders of the rail (figure C).
- On the aprons, a deeper shoulder is needed to add strength to the piece. The blade of the band saw is raised, and a notch is cut into the stock. Using the band saw, the notch is cut out (figure D), resulting in a shoulder deeper along the side of the tenon.
- For the stretchers, the tenons need to be deep enough to extend through the legs of the table (figure E) at both the front and the back leg. To make these cuts, the table-saw blade is set to a height of 2-1/8". This will create tenons that are long enough to extend through the legs. The thickness of the tenons is the same as that of the aprons, so the setting on the tenoning jig will not need to be readjusted.
- With the proper dimensions set on the table saw and jig, the cuts are made for the stretchers in the same manner that they were for the aprons (figure F).
- Once the cheeks of the tenon have been cut away, the sides are notched to create a deeper shoulder. Using the band saw, the notches are cut away to reveal the through-tenons (figure G).
- One of the main design features on this table is the exposed edges of the through-tenons. To be in keeping with the arts and crafts style, the exposed edges of the tenons are beveled. Before assembly begins, the end edges of the through-tenons are beveled on the table router using a bevel bit with a bearing on top (figure H).
- Once the beveled edges have been cut on the stretchers, the stretchers are taken back to the multi-router to cut a long mortise in each. The mortise will be used to hold the nightstand's bottom shelf.
- The shoulders of the stretchers and aprons will cover the mortises on the legs. With all of the tenons cut, as well as the stretcher mortises, all of the mortise-and-tenon elements can be checked to ensure a good fit. For assembly and glue-up, the fit needs to be snug but not overly tight. Some of the tenons or mortises may need to be pared slightly with a sharp chisel (figure I) for an easy fit.
- With the mortises all cut and checked for fit, dry-assembly can begin with legs, rails, aprons and stretchers assembled and clamped together (figure J). With the main framework assembled, an exact measurement can be taken for the bottom shelf that will extend between the two stretchers (figure K).
- Once the stock for the shelf is cut to length, integral tenons are cut in it using the same steps that were used for the apron and stretchers.
- With all of the pieces cut and checked for fit, the final assembly can begin. To make the process easier, and to help eliminate potential mistakes, lay out all of the pieces and tape and clearly mark each element of joinery (figure L). This will prevent confusion of the pieces during assembly. The masking tape will also help simplify cleanup after gluing is complete.
- Gluing the pieces together can now begin. Carefully apply glue to each tenon before insertion (figure M).
Tip: When gluing furniture elements together in final assembly, use slow-setting glue. This will allow you to take your time and avoid panic if readjustments need to be made during assembly before the glue has hardened. - Carefully glue and assemble the elements (figure N) and clamp the framework using bar clamps to hold it steady as the glue dries. The number of clamps will depend on the number of joints.
The next segment in this project follows the assembly of the nightstand's drawer and top. Sponsored Resource
> Click here to order your tools and materials for this project from Woodcraft!
RESOURCES :
Fine Woodworking
A magazine devoted to high-quality craftsmanship in woodworking.
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com
Woodworking Techniques: Best Methods for Building Furniture from Fine Woodworking
Author: Editors of Fine Woodworking magazine
Publisher: Taunton Press
ISBN: 1561583456
Beds and Bedroom Furniture: The Best of Fine Woodworking
Model: 1561581917
Author: Editors of Fine Woodworking
(1997)
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com
The Complete Woodworker's Companion
Author: Roger Holmes
Publisher: Watson-Guptill
ISBN: 0823008665
The Complete Book of Wood Joinery
Author: Robert J. Decristoforo
Publisher: Sterling Publishing Co.
ISBN: 0806999500
Woodworker's Guide to Wood: Softwoods, Hardwoods, Plywoods, Composite, Veneers
Model: 080836878
Author: Rick Peters
(2000)
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com
Advanced Woodworking
Model: 0783539126
Author: Editors of Time Life Books
1998
Time-Life Books Inc.
Website: www.timelife.com
Popular Woodworking
F & W Publications, Inc.
Website: www.popularwoodworking.com
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