piotr Posted October 3, 2019 Report Share Posted October 3, 2019 I watched a video on YouTube on how to make a mortise and tenon joint. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBodzmUGtdw) I have only the most basic tools and I only make some simple improvised stuff, and I'm wondering if I can't make a round mortise and tenon. So instead of making the hole with a chisel, just drill with a large bit (maybe 2 centimeter diameter even 1 inch), and then saw and whittle (with a knife) the tenon. The wood I have in mind has a square cross section. My question is, what is the drawback? Is it weaker? Should I just use dowels instead? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chestnut Posted October 3, 2019 Report Share Posted October 3, 2019 39 minutes ago, piotr said: I watched a video on YouTube on how to make a mortise and tenon joint. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBodzmUGtdw) I have only the most basic tools and I only make some simple improvised stuff, and I'm wondering if I can't make a round mortise and tenon. So instead of making the hole with a chisel, just drill with a large bit (maybe 2 centimeter diameter even 1 inch), and then saw and whittle (with a knife) the tenon. The wood I have in mind has a square cross section. My question is, what is the drawback? Is it weaker? Should I just use dowels instead? There are times when this joint is weaker but in a sense it's a dowel joint. You could get some inexpensive tools to do dowel joints as well. Multiple dowels reinforcing a joint is quite strong and is on a similar level to M&T. The main drawbacks to this type of joinery is it can be difficult to get the holes drilled perfectly and it doesn't leave much room for error. They do make round tenon cutters. https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/hand-tools/dowel-and-tenon-cutters Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted October 3, 2019 Report Share Posted October 3, 2019 A round tenon should resist pulling force as well as a rectangular tenon with the same surface area. Not so much for twisting, though. Dowels are just a form of 'loose' tenon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
workswood4food Posted October 20, 2019 Report Share Posted October 20, 2019 Nearly every chair I have seen has round tenons. Go for it. Try the Lee Valley tools or look on eBay for something called a hollow auger and get a brace while you are at it. Or, you suggested it, use a dowel. The problem will be accurately drilling the end grain of the stretcher or whatever. That can be tricky and I think a hollow auger would work better for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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