Replies

1. 
   JsHerbel | Mar 17, 2005 01:03am | #1

   I don't think I necessarily understand your question. Could you ellaborate please?

   If grain is running one direction on one face of the board, it is running the opposite direction on the opposite face of the board (usually). So if this is what you mean, no consideration is given to grain direction on mortise and tenons.

2. 
   AlanWS | Mar 17, 2005 06:55pm | #2

   Perhaps this addresses your question:
   Sidegrain glues well, endgrain much less well, so holding power depends more on sidegrain contact than endgrain contact. The mortise is an elongated hole, and should be elongated in the direction that will give sidegrain on the largest flat surface. This is also the direction that will weaken the mortised piece the least, since it cuts through fewest fibers. The tenon must have grain oriented along its length, because it must be strong.