How to Route a Tenon on a Stock End
Tenon stock is normally processed on a table saw, but can be done with a hand router. Routers make cleaner tenons than table saws. If you have a router that will accept a guide, then you can cut tenons with it. Use a router equipped with a 1/2-inch cutter to cut your tenons on 3/4-inch stock. Set the depth of cut to 1/8 inch to yield a tenon that is 1/2 inch thick.
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Things You'll Need
- Router guide
- Router bit, 1/2-inch cutter
- Sample workpiece, 3/4-by-3-by-48 inches
Instructions
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1
Slide the router guide into the receiving holes of the router base. Insert the 1/2-inch cutter into the router collet and tighten.
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2
Adjust the depth of cut on the router base to 1/8-inch. Slide the guide over to the bit so that it just barely misses the bit. You now have a setting that cuts 1/8-inch deep and 1/2-inch wide.
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3
Clamp the tenon stock to a worktable, letting the end of the stock extend just over the edge of the table.
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4
Pick up the router. Plug it in and turn it on. Set it on the end of the stock with the guide on the outside of the stock. Hang on to the router with both hands. Pull the bit into the wood until the guide fence touches the wood. Pull the router toward your body, across the end of the wood, using the guide to cut straight across the end. With the sample workpiece used here, you should now have a cut that is 1/8-inch deep, 1/2-inch wide and 3-inches long.
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5
Turn off the router. Flip the board over so that the end you just routed is facing down. Clamp the board to the table. Route the other side of the tenon in the same manner. You will now have a tenon that is 1/2-inch thick, 3-inches wide with 1/8-inch shoulders.
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Tips & Warnings
The 3/4-by-3-by-48 inch workpiece in the above steps is used as a typical example of stock in which you might cut tenons. Adjust your depth of cut accordingly for different-sized stock.
Always wear safety glasses.
