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 ...

Off-the-shelf woodworking jigs help build this TV cabinet Flat-screen televisions are a great improvement over the old ...

Are there exceptions to the rule? Sure, with some specialty routing jigs you can cut either mortise or tenon first, but as a general rule, it’s better to cut the mortise first. 2. Joinery before ...

Woodworkers have always been very clever about making strong and attractive joints — think of the strength of a mortise and tenon, or the artistry of a well-made dovetail. These joints have been ...