I’m building a bench base (Frank Klaus copy) and was wondering what the concensus out there is on using blind vs through mortise joinery? If using blind mortises is there a recommended depth to set the mortises at in relation to the depth of wood that the mortises are cut into? I’m using 3 1/2″ square douglas fir posts for the base and was thinking about setting the tenons 2″ into the 3 1/2″ posts for my stretchers. Any opinions would be appreciated.
Regards,
Buzzsaw
Replies
I think one of the advantages of through mortises is that you can easily wedge them and they add a bit of visual appeal. I do this on tresel tables and the joints are incredibly strong. That is my plan for when i get around to building the Klaus bench.
Aaron
Buzzsaw
IMHO through mortises do add a bit of appeal in larger sectioned timber furniture but possibly more importantly can be tightened up if they loosen when used in timber which may be subjected to larger than normal EMC (equilibrium moisture content) variations.
If you use a blind mortise local convention suggests a tenon about 1/3 the width of the mortised segment to a depth of about 2/3. However we don't use a lot of Douglas fir in furniture, tending more to indiginous timbers which are a lot harder, so others may have a divergent opinion.
Don
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