Replies

1. 
   BobLang | May 10, 2002 02:48am | #1

   Just be careful and precise doing your layout. I would make a full size mockup showing the locations of all the mortises before doing any cutting.  Work from the center of the rails out to the ends, so that if you have to fudge a little due to an error in sizing parts or measuring you can make the last spaces equal to each other. There are a bunch of mortises on that piece, and you don't want to do all that work twice.

   Bob Lang

   http://www.craftsmanplans.com

1. 
   Jon_Cummings | May 10, 2002 11:30pm | #3

   Bob, it is your great book and large scale drawings that  generated my question. Can't wait to get to work.  Peased to have you personally answer my question.

                                             Thanks

                                             Jon Cummings

                                              Ocean Springs, Mississippi

1. 
   BobLang | May 11, 2002 08:45pm | #4

   No Problem-hope you enjoy your new mortiser-let me know how it turns outBob Lang

   http://www.craftsmanplans.com

2. 
   alexlisa | May 10, 2002 07:11pm | #2

   Cut all your through mortises from the finish side in, use a high quality, well tuned mortising chisel and auger bit set (Clico or Fisch) and use scrap oak for backing up the cuts. Clamp the work down for each cut, don't count on the hold-downsIf you get any minor splintering on the bottom of the cut, it will be covered by the tenon shoulders. Measure three times and cut once!