This method for cutting tenons on the table saw uses two blades with spacers between. The beauty of this system is that the tenon thickness is “locked in” and does not depend on variables such as stock thickness or pressure against the fence.

I keep a pair of special hollow-ground blades for tenon work. They are jointed as a pair and filed for ripping. Since the hub and tooth thickness are the same, cutting a 5/16-in. tenon, for example, simply requires mounting the two blades with a 1/4-in. and a 1/16-in. spacer between. My set of custom-machined spacers are 2-1/2-in. discs drilled to slip over the saw arbor. Spacer thicknesses range from 1/4 in. to 0.005 in. To pass the work through the blades, I use a standard miter gauge tracked in a plywood fence as shown above. This approach eliminates vertical rocking and thus is safer and more accurate than other methods.

Mac Campbell, Harvey Station, N.B., Canada

Fine Woodworking Magazine, August 1980 No. 23

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Starrett 4" Double Square

Head is easy to remove, replace, and lock down; narrowest blade, at 5⁄8 in., made it easier to fit into tight places; hard to read under bright lights.

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Veritas Standard Wheel Marking Gauge

A wheel-type gauge is the easiest to use, and this wonderful Veritas model is a steal at $38.

Buy at Lee Valley

Veritas Micro-Adjust Wheel Marking Gauge

The adjuster runs through the beam from a small knob at the back end right to the cutting wheel, which moves in and out as you turn the knob. This arrangement works well but makes adjustments a two-handed operation, requiring a little more effort.

Buy at Lee Valley