Wood Magazine came today and I was browsing the article on how to build a rocking chair.  All the joints are held with loose tenons and seeing the picture, I'm thinking Domino.  But no, they have a clever little shop-made jig to cut these.  I have used similar things for other purposes, and until now, it never occurred to me.  Note that the stock is 1.25" thick, they are using a 3/4" opening on the jig, 1/4" bit and 1/2" bushing, that results in a 1/2" tenon.  Probably too much for 3/4" stock, but I think I can adjust it down.  Also in the next issue, they promise 5 jigs to do loose tenons.  I may retire my Bead-Lock.

if you can afford Bessey clamps, you can afford a task specific tool.

20 minutes ago, DAB said:

if you can afford Bessey clamps, you can afford a task specific tool.

Might work with my Harbor Freight clamps ??

 

You know what a Domino costs, don't you?  Oh, wait, I forgot you need the tenons, too.

Edited July 11, 20223 yr by kmealy

Well, you can make your own tenons, but there are aftermarket loose tenons (Taylor Tools) made for it as well that are a little cheaper. Of course, none of this make the mortiser itself any cheaper.

18 hours ago, kmealy said:

Might work with my Harbor Freight clamps ??

 

You know what a Domino costs, don't you?  Oh, wait, I forgot you need the tenons, too.

 

nope, but probably more than i want to spend on a tool today.

 

i do have a mortiser, so that's my splurge, and i know how to cut tenons on the end of stock.

On 7/11/2022 at 5:52 PM, DAB said:

if you can afford Bessey clamps, you can afford a task specific tool.

That’s why I buy my Bessie’s during the Christmas sale at woodcrafters. BOGO 😬

Those are some weird shaped dowels!!

 

On a more serious note, loose tenon joinery in whatever form has a place just like pocket holes. It can seriously speed up construction on a lot of projects.

That said, the stuff I make for personal use will use more traditional joinery.  I am not a custom or production shop where I am on a schedule and if it takes a bit longer then so be it   (Won't stop me from doweling things together now and then!)