The “mortise” is the recess where the tenon goes. It can be cut by hand with a mallet and mortising chisel, or mechanically with a mortising machine and a hollow chisel bit. If you don’t have those ...

Choosing the right woodworking joint can mean the difference between a wobbly shelf and a family heirloom. From quick pocket holes to timeless mortise and tenon, each method offers its own balance of ...

A mortise and tenon joint is one of the most basic and strong ways to join two boards together, but it takes a bit more time (and more tools) than some of the other joinery techniques we've discussed.