Started Over

[adambaum]

Had a horrible time with my first set of front and side legs. First, the lockdown on my router edge guide slipped/loosened while I was routing the mortises. Ended up having some odd shaped mortises. I cleaned them up, but they were awfully wide. Then I somehow made an extra set of mortises on the front legs. I don't know what I was thinking because everything was marked on the correct faces.

My next fiasco occurred on the side legs. Trying to create tenons to match the mortises was a royal pain in the a**. I persevered and got them to mostly fit. One tenon is a bit too loose, the other fits fine but won't seat all the way. That has me stumped as I back cut (or is undercut) the area near the shoulder. I know the tenon is not too long because that it what I initially thought so I trimmed them down. Seats at the same place. Further attempts to fix just made things worse.

So, I bought a Jet mortise machine and started over. After some "DOH!" moments with the machine, I am happy to say that everything looks like it's moving forward. I am at the point of fitting the tenons. They are just a few hairs to thick, but so far everything looks good.

Adam

[thewoodwhisperer]

Sorry you had so many problems Adam. But I think that mortiser is going to make a huge difference in your shop. Nice square mortises will be a breeze now.

[adambaum]

"Starting Over" seems to be how I do woodworking. Other than pens, I think I've had to do all my projects twice. I'm used to it. I look at this way: Now I have some scrap wood for pens and cutting boards.

Adam

[Lone Wolf]

Adam,

I feel your pain. I have been there. Sometimes, starting over is the way to go. However, I am sure you have gained many skills that will get you out of a jam when you really need it.