Replies

1. 
   John_D | Dec 13, 2005 03:55am | #1

   The main decision you have is whether to cut the tenons first, or bevel the ends for the pyramid.

   If you're not doing many, it'd probably be easiest to cut the (extra long) tenons first, then just use a handsaw and a block plane to form the pyramid.  Do support the tenon with scrap while you're working, so you don't break it!

   If you're doing a bunch of them, it depends on how you're cutting the tenons.  If you're using a tenoning jig on your TS, or cutting on a BS, seems to me it'd be easier to cut the angles first, then do the tenon cuts.  If you're forming the tenons with a dado blade on your TS, it'd definitely be easier to cut the end angles first.

   My goal is for my work to outlast me.  Expect my joinery to get simpler as time goes by.
2. 
   Jeffnv | Dec 13, 2005 03:22pm | #2

   I have made them on a couple of end tables that have thru mortise and tenon joints. I cut the joints and then shaped the pyramids before assembly. The amount of wood you have to remove to get the pyramid shape is very little. Draw a line around your tenon for depth and mark the center of the pyramid. Then rasp, file, sand to the line.

3. 
   MikeHennessy | Dec 13, 2005 05:06pm | #3

   I make them long, trim to a uniform length after assembly using a block of wood with it's thickness equal to the length of the finished tennon as a marking jig. Then I bevel the tenons with a block plane. Takes only seconds. Make sure you glue the tennon (but not all the way to the end) and not the mortise -- otherwise, glue on the part that will be showing will be a problem.

   Mike Hennessy

1. 
   CWilson | Dec 14, 2005 02:23am | #4

   Thanks for the help everyone.  I will try the methods on some scrap.  I'll ask you guys if I have any problems with it (I'm positive I will)!  Thanks again!