Although I know what the differences are between loose and formed tenons, I have never known what the design criteria is to select one over the other. I personally prefer to use formed tenons as I somehow feel (I have no rationalization) it is a more secure joint.
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Replies
Being that a well made loose tenon joint is very nearly as strong as a solid tenon there is no structural reason to choose one over the other. The real advantage to a loose tenon is that once you are set up to make them, especially if you have a horizontal mortising machine, they are a much quicker to make with considerably less risk of an error.
John White
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