Modern Desk: Angled Leg Mortises
Time-tested techniques for cutting angled mortises with a horizontal mortiser.
Jul 23, 2019
Tim Rousseau’s modern desk might look simple, but a lot goes into making such an elegant piece. While Tim tackles this project with a pro’s perspective using tools found in professional shops, he also draws parallels to tools found in most hobbyist woodshops.
If we’re honest, some of the math is a bit fuzzy in this episode of Tim’s video workshop on making the desk. Don’t taunt us about it; instead, learn from Tim’s method, which is completely sound.
Tim uses his horizontal mortiser to create the leg mortises at what could be a daunting 13º and 1.5º
Tim references this video from his Asian-Inspired Hall Table Video Workshop:
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Legs, Aprons, and Under Rails |
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Video shot and edited by Jeff Roos and Ben Strano
Produced by Ben Strano
Videos in the Series
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How to Make a Danish Modern DeskJuly 9, 2019 -
Modern Desk: How to Veneer the Writing SurfaceJuly 9, 2019 -
Modern Desk: Router Templates for Curved PartsJuly 16, 2019 -
Modern Desk: Pattern-Routing Curved PartsJuly 16, 2019 -
Modern Desk: Joinery for the Desk TopJuly 16, 2019 -
Modern Desk: Angled Leg MortisesJuly 23, 2019 -
Modern Desk: Angled Tenons on the Table SawJuly 30, 2019 -
Modern Desk: Curved LegsAugust 6, 2019 -
Modern Desk: Making the StretchersAugust 13, 2019 -
Modern Desk: Making the Desk TopAugust 20, 2019 -
Modern Desk: Backsplash and Bottom ApronAugust 27, 2019 -
Modern Desk: Gluing Up the Side AssembliesSeptember 3, 2019 -
Modern Desk: Jig-Free Dowel JointSeptember 10, 2019 -
Modern Desk: Final Glue-UpSeptember 17, 2019
Comments
Wow shot down in the middle LOL waiting to see the following episodes it only goes to 4
Tim, I'm glad you took the time in this episode to address the reason you made the mortises at this time. My head has been exploding from the 3a episode. As a person that worked in a high end production shop (most work going to Manhattan corporate board rooms) my boss would have cut my head off then fired me.
Wow! I was today days old when I learned the trick of dropping the stem of the "angle dodad" through the adjustable bevel gauge to adjust the bevel. Nice little time-saver!
Agreed. Unfortunately my "Doodad" blade is too thick to allow the angle gauge to lock in place. (It just fits in the slot, however, when the gauge is tightened the "Doodad's" blade is locked in place with it.) I just knew I needed another tool. Now, which will it be?
I am loving this video series, thank you. I stumbled on a horizontal mortiser that I'm excited to have but I can't find good bits for it. It has a big router style chuck that accepts 1/2" bits. If anyone has any recommendations I'd love to see them so I can safely put it to use making sweet angled mortises like this.
Great video. I have a horizontal mortiser mounted on my jointer/plainer as well...can you share what bit you are using? When I purchased mine the manufacturer recommended a birds-mouth bit-essentially a straight cutter...but the spiral fluting, like in all bits, would be smoother cutting and cooler running, As its turning with the j/p cutter head, is the end mill "left handed/cutting "? Extra long? Where are you sourcing? Thanks!
Matt
Could you have used a domino to make the joint, or would it not be strong enough?
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