How to Make Wood Tenons

Woodworkers will use a tenon and mortise joint when making cabinets.

A tenon is a rectangular protrusion that's cut into the end of a wooden cabinet panel. The tenon fits into a rectangular channel called a mortise. The tenon fits into the mortise to create a joint that serves to attach the two cabinet panels end to end. Tenon and mortise joints are also used to attach a cross bar to the side of a chair leg. Wood glue is used to secure the tenon and mortise joint.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Protective eye wear
• Face mask
• Table saw
• Paintbrush
• Chisel
• Wood glue

Instructions

1. Measure the width and length of the mortise, the rectangular channel that will accommodate the rectangular block known as a tenon. Use a tape measure to determine the width, height and depth of the mortise.

2. Subtract 1/8 inch from the length, width and depth measurements to get the dimensions of the tenon.

3. Mark the length, width and depth measurements onto the end of the cabinet panel. It must be precisely centered on the end of the cabinet panel. Woodworkers typically leave 3/16-inch of wood on both sides of the tenon. You can also leave a 3/16-inch gap between the top and bottom of the tenon and the edge of the wood. These gaps, called shoulders, will serve to conceal a less-than-perfect joint. Draw the profile of the tenon on all four sides of the wood panel to make the cutting process easier.

4. Don protective eye wear and a face mask.

5. Cut away the wood surrounding the tenon with a table saw. Use the pencil marks as your guide.

6. Brush away sawdust using a large paintbrush. Remove the sawdust from the tenon and surrounding area.

7. Slide the tenon into the mortise and assess the fit. The fit should be snug and precise. If the mortise is too narrow or too shallow, use a chisel to widen the rectangular channel. If the mortise is too wide, place a thin slice of wood, called a shim, into the channel beside the tenon.

8. Pull the tenon out of the mortise and squeeze a bit of wood glue onto the tenon and into the mortise. Use a paintbrush to equally distribute the glue.

9. Slide the tenon into the mortise and allow the wood glue to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Cut the mortise and tenon before you perform carving or other detail work. If the tenon is not cut properly, you will need to start over.

• Wear protective eye wear and a protective face mask when using a saw.

• Keep your hands clear of the saw at all times.

References

• NewWoodworker.com: Mortise and Tenon Joints Made Easy