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How to Make a Mortise and Tenon Joint (Beginner-Friendly Tutorial)

The mortise and tenon joint is one of the oldest and strongest woodworking joints — but it intimidates many beginners.

Good news: with the right tools, clear steps, and a bit of patience, anyone can master it. In this beginner-friendly tutorial, you’ll learn exactly how to make clean, tight-fitting mortise and tenon joints that’ll last a lifetime.

Mortise and Tenon Joint

💡 “Tired of Incomplete Plans and Frustrating Mistakes? These Step-by-Step Guides Solve It All!”

What Is a Mortise and Tenon Joint?

  • 📏 Mortise = the rectangular hole

  • 🪵 Tenon = the matching tongue or peg

  • Used for connecting two pieces at 90°

  • Common in chairs, tables, doors, and traditional joinery

Tools You’ll Need

Manual Tools:

  • Marking gauge

  • Mortise chisel & mallet

  • Tenon saw or dovetail saw

  • Ruler, square, pencil

Power Tools (Optional):

  • Drill press

  • Mortiser

  • Bandsaw or table saw

  • Router with guide

Step-by-Step Instructions

🧰 Step 1: Mark the Joint Layout

  • Use a square and marking gauge

  • Always mark both mortise and tenon together for accuracy

🔨 Step 2: Cut the Mortise

  • Drill out waste or chisel manually

  • Use a mallet to guide the mortise chisel

🪚 Step 3: Cut the Tenon

  • Saw cheeks first, then shoulders

  • Test fit frequently — aim for snug, not forced

🧱 Step 4: Test and Glue

  • Dry fit first to ensure alignment

  • Use wood glue and clamps

  • Check for squareness

🧠 “Go From Zero Experience to Crafting Professional-Grade Projects in Weeks!”

H2: Pro Tips for a Perfect Fit

  • Use scrap wood to practice

  • Work slowly — precision matters more than speed

  • Undercut the mortise bottom slightly to help glue settle

H2: Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Cutting mortise too deep or wide

  • Poor marking alignment

  • Rushing the glue-up without a dry fit

FAQs 

Can I make this joint without power tools?

Absolutely — a chisel and tenon saw are all you need.

How tight should a tenon fit?

Snug enough to hold on its own, loose enough to push in by hand.

What wood is best for learning joints?

Pine or poplar — soft, easy to cut, and budget-friendly.

Want to Practice This Joint on a Real Project?

🔧 Try Our “Mortise & Tenon Starter Pack” – 3 Free Plans Featuring This Classic Joint
Includes furniture blueprints that walk you through using mortise and tenon in context.
📥 https://Link.Gallery/DIY-MASTERS-PRO

✅ “Build Professional-Quality Projects for a Fraction of the Cost!”

Conclusion

Mastering the mortise and tenon joint is a major milestone for any woodworker. With this guide, a few tools, and a free plan or two, you’ll be joining like a pro in no time.

💥 “Transform Your Skills and Build Projects You’ll Be Proud to Show Off.”

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