Replies

1. 
   RickL | Feb 17, 2005 06:48pm | #1

   Loose tenons work fine. There was a semi scientific article in FWW some years ago and loose tenons were right up there with traditional tenons. I've been using them for 20 years and don't plan to stop. Also consider the horizontal slot mortiser which goes back to the late 50's or so in Europe has been a primary reason to use loose tenons. It was designed to be used with loose tenons! Also considering the smoother wall finish opposed to a jagged finish from a chisel mortiser. A better bond if you consider a jointed edge is preferred to a sawn edge.

1. 
   bladeburner | Feb 17, 2005 07:41pm | #2

   I have a router set up on my table just for cutting the mortise/slots with a 1/4 " spiral bit already. How deep do you slot for these loose mortises? Do you overcut for alignment and squeezeout any differently or for a tight fit? I'll try a search in FWW next for more info.

   Thanks,

   Joe

1. 
   RickL | Feb 17, 2005 08:48pm | #3

   I don't know what you are going to search for in FWW unless it's the article I was referring to and it didn't get into details on machining specifics.I usually make my loose tenons about 1/6" to 1/8" shorter than the combined mortise depth. Not sure what you mean by over cut. A few slots with the grain to allow for glue flow in the loose tenon and give it a few thousandths clearance in thickness. You don't want to have to hammer them in. Often I don't even bother to round the tenon. I might give the edges a chamfer but I don't bother to worry about fitting the tenon width to the mortise width. Gives you a little room to move things around. Consider getting a slot mortiser such as the build ot yourself one in FWW #141 or Tools and Shops issue. #141 is better or consider the Grizzly G-0540. I've been advocating slot mortisers for many years. Pretty much know all the machine options available from commercial ones to converting handmills.

2. 
   mvac | Feb 17, 2005 09:12pm | #4

   Joe,

   Less than a week ago there was a huge thread on "Loose Tenon Joinery" which really aired the pros and cons as different people saw them. I'd select "all" on the left hand side (selecting what messages you want to see) and look for it under General Discussion.

   Mitch

   "I'm always humbled by how much I DON'T know..."

1. 
   bladeburner | Feb 17, 2005 10:14pm | #5

   Thanks, I just browsed them. I check in here almost every cold day, but I did my search in Joinery and never thought tp look in the general or political threads. I'm all for loose joinery as it comes natural to me anyway!

   Joe

1. 
   mvac | Feb 18, 2005 06:45pm | #6

   My pleasure. I thought it would be useful. Glad to be of help to someone else for a change!Mitch

   "I'm always humbled by how much I DON'T know..."