Are there ‘rules of thumb’ for the best length for a tenon to optimize strength??
I am building a door for cabinet 17″ wide x 47″ high x 1″ thick. The Stile is 4.5″ wide so the mortise can be as deep as necessary – the rail is 3.5″ wide and the tenon will be 2.5″ wide x 0.375″ thick. How long is best?? The mortiser can go up to 3″ deep – is that too much? (material is poplar)
Also at what point is a tenon too wide to be installed at one width? What are the rules around splitting the tenon in two and only gluing one in and allowing the other to ‘float’ with expansion?
Replies
I typically shoot for 1" to 1.5" tenons....3/8 or 1/2 thickness for structural items...table legs, doors, etc. You want those tenons long enought and tight enough so that the doors really don't rely on glue to keep it square and snug...the tenon should do that for you with only a tiny bit of security from the glue....
Arts & Crafts spindles, I generally do 3/8 or 1/2 inch long..they're decorative and not structural.
If I'm doing loose tenons (which I don't very often), I'll go even longer...probably psychological but these just don't seem as strong.
I don't understand the second part of your question. I generally do single, thick, blind M&T joints. I admire double tenons, but have never done any.
I hope this helps. e-mail me if you have other questions or comments; [email protected]
lp
I am using M+T for some doors I am building. Any down side in using epoxy?
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