16
tips & TRICKS
SET-UP BLOCKS
If your project includes more than one
sized tenon, you can save time by
making set-up blocks.
Just cut off a portion of a tenon that has
been cut to the correct size to fit your
mortise bit.
Mark what size it is and put it in a safe
place where it won’t get thrown away by
mistake.
When you need to set your cutter
up for that specific sized tenon
again, simply slide that set-up
block onto the guide bar of the
cutter. Slide the cutter arms in
until the blade(s) just touch the
block and tighten the arms.
STRENGTHEN SMALL DIAMETER TENONS
If you are concerned about the
strength of small diameter tenons,
or if the end of the tenon is visible,
you may want to plug the pilot
hole with a 3/8” wooden dowel.
Simply cut off a piece of 3/8” wood
dowel, add a little wood glue, and
insert into the pilot hole. Wipe off
any glue and let dry. This will also help when working with
green wood, as the glue and wood dowel may minimize any
potential shrinking or cracking of a green tenon while drying,
and will make small diameter tenons stronger.
