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Can you cut a tenon with a router?
Mortise-and-tenon joints are usually cut on a table saw, but they can be made using a router as well. The joints are rounded when using a router, but they are just as strong as squared-off mortises and tenons. Cut the mortise with a plunge router.
Can you use a mortise bit in a router?
Step 1: Milling a mortise on your router table is essentially a “blind” operation, because you’ll cut the mortise by plunging the wood down into the bit. Step 2: You can use a straight bit, mortising bit or an upcut spiral bit to rout mortises with this method.
Should you cut the mortise or tenon first?
To make a mortise and tenon joint, always cut the mortise first because it’s much easier to cut the tenon to fit an existing mortise than the other way around.
How deep will a router cut?
Adjust the bit so it’s cutting somewhere around 1/4-inch deep. Run the wood through the router to make the cut. Raise or lower the bit and repeat until you’ve cut a groove to the depth you want. A handheld router needs the bit lowered.
Where to cut a mortise?
The mortise is usually a square hole cut into end of one of the two material or woods that are to be joined. While the tenon is also formed at the end of the other material which is usually referred to as the rail. The tenon must be cut to fit squarely into the mortise so that there’s no gap, and the resulting joint is strong and neat.
How do you mortise?
Your mortise can really be any size you need, but for the strongest joint, divide the workpiece into thirds and make your mortise the middle third. For example, a 1 1/2″ thick piece of wood would be divided accordingly. 1/2″ + 1/2″ + 1/2″ = 1 1/2″ so your mortise should be 1/2″ wide.
What is a mortise and tenon jig?
A mortise and tenon jig is an apparatus used to guide a cutting tool when making a mortise and tenon joint. When cutting such a joint, the mortise and tenon jig is used to steady the tool being used, and to guide the tool so that a straight cut can be made in accordance with the cuts necessary to complete the joint.