A tenon is a short piece of timber that fits into another piece of timber. The joint between two pieces of wood is called a mortise and tenon joint. In order to create a strong connection, the tenon should fit tightly into the mortise. This requires some skill and practice.
There are many ways to cut tenons, depending on the size and shape of the piece of wood. For example, you can use a jig or template, clamp the wood together, or even drill holes and then cut them out. I will guide you on how to cut tenons on a table saw.
How To Cut Tenons On a Table Saw
Install the dado set
The first thing you need to do is install your dado set. You can find this at any home improvement store. If you don’t have one yet, now would be a good time to buy it.
Make sure you get a dado blade for the miter sled. They come in different sizes: 3/4″, 1-1/2″ and 2″. Choose the largest size that works best for your project.
Set up the fence
Before you start cutting, make sure the fence is properly positioned. It needs to be set so the blade cuts across the grain. To do this, simply move the fence until it reads zero on the scale.
Adjust the depth stop
Next, adjust the depth stop so it stops when the blade reaches the desired height. You may need to experiment with this setting.
Cutting tenons using the miter sled
Now you can begin cutting tenons. Start by making an angled cut through the center of the board. Then, slide the miter sled under the workpiece and run the blade along the edge of the fence.
Continue moving the blade back and forth. When you reach the end of the fence, remove the blade from the sled. Repeat these steps until all the tenons are done.
You can also use a router to cut the tenons instead of a table saw. Follow the same steps as above but instead of sliding the miter sled under your workpiece, attach it to a router base.
If you want more information about how to cut tenons, check out our article here.
Cutting dadoes with a circular saw
A dado is a narrow groove which is used to join two surfaces together. Dados are commonly found in furniture such as dressers, cabinets and bed frames. There are several types of dados including half dados, quarter dados and full dados. Each type has its own purpose and uses.
Types of dados
Half dados are usually located near the top or bottom of a piece of furniture. These dados are often used to hold drawers in place. Half dados are typically made with a standard hand saw.
Quarter dados are located on either side of a frame. These dados are most commonly used to connect two pieces of wood.
Full dados are located where there is no other material. These dados are used to provide strength to a frame.
Tools:
- Circular Saw
- Drill
- Miter gauge
- Table saw
- Dado Set
- Steps to follow
FAQ,s
How to cut accurate tenons on the table saw?
The secret to cutting accurate tenons lies in having a good setup. The most important part of this setup is the fence. If you don’t have one, you should buy one. A good fence will help you align the workpiece perfectly. Once you have a good setup, you can then proceed to cut the tenon.
What is a dado?
A dado is any kind of groove that is designed to fit inside another groove. Dados are used to create joints between two boards. For example, if you wanted to add a drawer to a cabinet, you would drill a hole in each corner of the cabinet. Then, you could insert a dowel into the holes. This dowel would form the joint between the two parts of the cabinet.
Conclusion
There are many ways to cut tenons. Some people prefer to use a jigsaw while others like to use a table saw. Whatever method you choose, remember to use a straightedge to ensure accuracy.