roughsawn Posted November 4, 2022 Report Share Posted November 4, 2022 Is there a rule of thumb for tennon length for various thickness of materials? For example, what should be the length for 3/4" material, 1-1/2" material, and 2" material? These are the 3 most common thicknesses of material I will be using for upcoming projects this winter. I'm a M&T rookie, so any tips will be appreciated. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillyJack Posted November 4, 2022 Report Share Posted November 4, 2022 If I'm doing 3/4 thick it usually gets 1/3 or 1/4 on the tenon thickness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roughsawn Posted November 4, 2022 Author Report Share Posted November 4, 2022 Rule of thumb on length? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted November 5, 2022 Report Share Posted November 5, 2022 Length is more about how deep the receiving mortise can be. The tenon should be a smidge shorter that the (closed) mortise depth, so it doesn't bottom out, or a gap will be left at the shoulder. For a strong joint, let's say it should penetrate 1.5" or 1/2 the width / thickess of the receiving part. But that is just an arbitrary statement, the joint must really be adapted to each specific application. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted November 5, 2022 Report Share Posted November 5, 2022 Consideration should also be given to what you will be cutting the mortise with, chisel or dedicated mortiser. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillyJack Posted November 5, 2022 Report Share Posted November 5, 2022 If I’m going into a 2”, I’ll make it. Minimum of 1”. Usually 1 1/4. On an intersecting corner you will have to shorten one in some cases., 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronn W Posted November 6, 2022 Report Share Posted November 6, 2022 Most of my furniture projects, I use 3/4". Larger for furniture that is large (dining tables) or that will be abused like Chairs and game tables. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chestnut Posted November 7, 2022 Report Share Posted November 7, 2022 As long as you can make it. If you can make it a through tenon that's best. That said 1" long tenons works for most cases regardless of material size. Thinner material see above. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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