Here’s how to use your router table to produce tenons on the end of chair rungs, quickly and accurately. First, chuck a rabbeting bit into the router and raise it until the bit’s bottom is even with the top of the router table. Locate a V-block near the bit to produce the diameter desired, and clamp the V-block in place using the router table’s fence. Then, holding the rung firmly with one hand, lower it into the rotating bit. Rotate the rung with the other hand in a counterclockwise direction. The result will be a clean and uniform reduction of the dowel diameter. To reduce splintering, take several small bites of 1/8 in. or less.

David J. Langley, Corvallis, Ore.

Fine Woodworking Magazine, June 1987 No. 64

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