HallmarkWoodcrafts

To: fritter63. If your setup is correct on your saw with blade being at 90 degrees vertical, fence the correct distance, miter gauge square to blade, the blade set at the correct height and your stock is milled properly and consistant, you can achieve a perfect tenon that's absolutely flat with a perfect fit everytime. There's generally no cleanup required on the tenon using shoulder planes, chisels, etc. because done correctly the blade cleans everything up after a second series of cleanup passes taking about 30 seconds. I have a whole gallery of fine furniture with every tenon built using this technique. Of course the mortises have to be cut correctly. Probably the most important thing is to make sure your stock is milled consistant with all thicknesses identical. I always run each piece of stock 2 passes through my drum sander before I start with the tenons. Give it a try.

To walnutrat: we're always putting sandpaper or some non-slip material on our miter gauge fences to hold the material in place. This is the one instance where the material needs to slide. I keep sticky back teflon tape around the shop for certain jig applications. I'll sure give it a try on my next tenon project. Thanks for the tip.

I've been making tenons like this for more years than I can recall. I own 2 quality dado sets, a 6" and 8" but I don't get the same quality tenon as using a good single blade like the author shows in the video. The tenon comes out smooth and blends right in with the shoulder cut. One problem though is if I have a bunch to do, it's hard to grip the board with my finger tips and they get sore. The solution I've found is to use "Rubber Finger Tips" like secretaries use handling paper. Any office supply carries them. This is the only way I make tenons unless there is a special need for a miter or so. I think it is a safe practice but again FWW needs to protect itself and doesn't need to publish this procedure. Someone, somewhere will always find a way to hit the "self destruct" button. I thought I was the only one out there that cuts tenons this way. I need to get out more often.

I started viewing with the "Introduction" first and then "Part One". The intro has a nice picture of the table and then a drawing of the table, later.
I like to scroll down on each "Part", such as "Part 5", to the bottom to see the finished project of the day. Then back to the top and follow along with the project as it emerges.
It gives an insight as to what's going on.

Maybe the Intro was added later after the project was in progress.

I do know that with some oily woods such as Spanish Cedar and maybe Teak that it's imperative to wipe the joints down with acetone just prior to glueup. "No smoking!"
Ipe? Dunno!

I believe there's only one thing a skilled woodworker enjoys more than making sawdust and that's helping out a new guy just getting started in a journey that will take him through the rest of his life. It seems the longer we're at it the more passionate we become about it. We love sharing what has been shared with us. We love teaching the tricks we have learned through our own experience. Sometimes we don't understand if the next guy isn't as passionate as we. To be honest I've only met less than a handful that didn't share that passion. This is one of the few crafts that each individual will go way out of his way to help the novice. I guess it's our way of bringing that hidden ego to light.

I am already missing Norm and David Marks has been gone for a while from my viewing area. I have been woodworking for a while but like most woodworkers, I picked up something new from every episode. There have been several really bad WW shows on TV but you know, I always learned something if I watched close enough. I have a really deep down desire for knowledge and would welcome Mr. MacDonald with his wisdom and skills just hoping he will stick to woodworking and not get off on another plateau. I enjoyed visiting the museums with Norm and I would welcome skilled guest on the show. I don't know all the different aspects of woodworking and don't expect MacDonald to either. I had a guy before his passing do my carvings for me. That's just the way it goes. As far as sponsors go, I would think there are a plethora of sponsors out there that would jump on this opportunity. In this economy, what better way to advertise. My shop is filled with tools that Norm used such as something as simple as an Osborne Miter Gauge. I hope some good sponsors step up to the plate. I wish Mr. MacDonald all the good fortune on his new endeavor and look forward to seeing him on PBS.

This is a magnificent piece of work. It takes a certain type of artist to even attempt to tackle a project like this. Once one gets the concept on how it works, maybe it wouldn't seem so intimidating. Well done. Lane Hall

Hey Guys, Thanks for the comments. I looked at both of your works. Very nice. I left my comments on both of your sites.
Lane Hall

Thanks for the compliments you gave me on my page. After seeing your work, you were very kind and gracious. Yours is one of those pieces that your grandkids will show their friends with pride although they may have to take them to the museum where it is displayed. I've never seen maple with that much figure. It reminds me of an arial view of the "Sahara" I once saw on a documentary.

I know exactly what you mean about the 3 o'clock thing. Happens to me all the time. This is truly a masterpiece.

Lane Hall

Dave, read your comments on my posting this morning. I really appreciate the support. I've been feeling kinda crummy about what happened. Anyway, I've been eyeballing Dancer since I opened this web page up the first time. I told my wife as soon as I saw her, she is the winner. I hate it we're restricted to 5 pictures because I would like to see the rest of her. I did find that choosing five pictures is more than just looking at a box. The 5 you choose have to portray the way you feel about your work, you know? You have to show where the work was, and the time spent not only on the labor but the but the thought and reflection that went into it. Mine wasn't built for a contest per say. My work, as does yours, has to be pleasing to me and if someone else enjoys it, that's just an added bonus. Best Wishes for Dancer.
Thanks for the encouragement. Lane Hall

Actually my entry is on this page. "Proposal Box". Lane Hall

Terry, your whole box is very interesting. I like the joinery at the corners but don't understand it. Maybe I need to look a little closer. Who would've ever thought of using a fossil as their theme? It's very unique and definely an eyecatcher. Good job. I have an entry a page or two back. I can tell you from what I've seen, the competition is tough. There's a lot of good woodworkers out there with a lot of interesting ideas. Good luck on your entry. Lane Hall

My sister picked 6 of her favorite boxes. Yours was one of them. I have to agree.

It's definetly an eye catcher.

Beautiful work. I'm really impressed.