I am building a pair of drawer front nightstands out of maple. They have 4″ x 3/4″ aprons attached to 11/2″ x 11/2″ legs. Through a mistake with my test piece (I forgot that I had put all of the “real” aprons though the planer for a final pass, leaving the test piece slightly thicker) I cut all of the tenons thinner than the 3/8″ I had planned. So I took them all down to 1/4″. My question is this…though less than the “ideal” are 1/4″ thick tenons thick enough given this piece? I would be more concerned if it were a kitchen table or coffee table where it would take more abuse. Obviously this is not a mistake that will be seen, but is it one that will haunt me down the road? The tenons seem pretty stout to me, and I will probably pin them. Am I concerned over nothing, or would you make 6 new aprons?
Discussion Forum
Get It All!
UNLIMITED Membership is like taking a master class in woodworking for less than $10 a month.
Start Your Free TrialCategories
Discussion Forum
Digital Plans Library
Member exclusive! – Plans for everyone – from beginners to experts – right at your fingertips.
Highlights
-
Shape Your Skills
when you sign up for our emails
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. -
Shop Talk Live Podcast -
Our favorite articles and videos -
E-Learning Courses from Fine Woodworking
-
-
Replies
They'll be fine....just cut the mortises to fit....
Edited 9/28/2006 12:50 pm ET by CStanford
I agree with Charles.
Not to worry...........
********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
Hello ThreePuttJoe:
I just finished a bedside table and all of my joints in it were pegged mortise and tenon. My tenons were 3/8". Your 1/4" will be plenty, as the strength of the joint comes from the amount of surface that gets glued and the pin/pegs. Your table will be just fine and as strong as can be.
Don
Absolutely nothing to worry about.
DR
When you stop to think that some pieces were put together with a couple of 3/8" dowels, A full 1/4" tennon is still far superior in mass and strength. No worries !
Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
Thanks all. I figured I was alright...but I wanted to be a little more positive before spending a lot more time on the project, and expecting it to last a good long time.
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled