Replies

1. 
   ring | Oct 13, 2005 10:47am | #1

   Everett,

   You didn't mention what wood you are using.  If it is something stable and presumably dry, you'll probably be OK glueing up.  Maybe split the tenon into 3 parts and glue the center one only.  If the wood is going to move a lot, you need more drastic measures.  Can you split the legs lengthwise into 2 halves for instance?  Two 4" legs with a tiny gap between them to take the expansion/contraction for instance?

   By the way, on tables like this one I prefer to make the tenons thru (all 3") and wedge them from the other side.

   DR  

1. 
   Everettb | Oct 13, 2005 07:46pm | #3

   I forgot to mention the wood is cherry.  The wide leg is part of the design.  There are dark stained walnut inlays in the leg which kind of drove the wide  design.  I really appreciate your input. 

   In reviewing some articles I had saved on Arts and craft furniture it was suggested to pin them at centerline and expand the mortises and each end to allow for any expansion and just glue the center 4"of the tenon.  Your suggestions all sound like good alternatives.  Thanks

    

   Respectively,

   Everettb

1. 
   scooter1 | Oct 13, 2005 09:14pm | #4

   Yeah, an 8 inch tennon seems a tad wide. I'd break it up into 2 sections with a hand saw or band saw.Regards, Scooter"I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow." WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934

1. 
   sapwood | Oct 13, 2005 11:13pm | #5

   He's already cut and fit the tennon. What's the problem with leaving it the way it is?

1. 
   scooter1 | Oct 14, 2005 12:02am | #6

   Nothing I guess, except I agree that its pretty wide and the piece risks being split. I don't know the species of wood or the grain direction, so I can not be sure. Hope its not flat sawn pine.Regards, Scooter"I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow." WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934

2. 
   sapwood | Oct 14, 2005 02:59am | #8

   I simply don't understand the point that a wide tennon is somehow inferior to two narrower tennons. If the tennon is only fixed in the center with the remainder freely able to slide in the mortise, I can't see a difference between that and a free floating board that's sitting on a wood rack. Sure, if the tennon fits really tight and the wood is not particularly strong (like pine) then the tennon could act as if it's glued and thus fail with shrinkage. But I don't get the sense that is the case for the example under discussion.

3. 
   WillGeorge | Oct 14, 2005 03:54am | #9

   It is probably stronger till the wood splits!

4. 
   WillGeorge | Oct 14, 2005 10:10pm | #10

   I simply don't understand the point that a wide tennon is somehow inferior to two narrower tennons. If the tennon is only fixed in the center with the remainder freely able to slide in the mortise..I agree BUT maybe some folks try to glue ALL of it!.. You have a point...

2. 
   WillGeorge | Oct 14, 2005 02:25am | #7

   Yeah, an 8 inch tennon seems a tad wide. I'd break it up into 2 sections with a hand saw or band saw.DITTO.. Split it up.. I use to make alot of custom doors.. Tenons over about 4 inches I would not do.. Whatever wood... Just me..

2. 
   sapwood | Oct 13, 2005 07:31pm | #2

   I think that you do have an issue with wood movement and you are justified in your concern. I like your idea of slotting the outer dowels/pins and securing the center. I'd use a pin here as well and a bit of glue if you wish. Remember to overcut the length of the mortise to allow for expansion.