89 - How to cut Perfect Mortise and Tenon Joints in Minutes

How to Cut Perfect Mortise and Tenons Quick and Easy
I get a great many emails asking me what is the best way to cut mortise and tenon joinery. I don’t think there is any best way, but I made this video to show you a quick and easy way using a router and a table saw sled to make perfect mortice and tenon joints.
Here is a link to see how to build my table saw sled:
• 39 - Extreme Crosscut ...
Things we used for this project:
Tools:
WoodRiver No. 91 Small Shoulder Plane - amzn.to/3wGWjFk
Bench Plane - amzn.to/3HJd74G
Combination Square Set 6" & 12" - amzn.to/3kB2jfW
Festool Kapex Sliding Miter Saw - amzn.to/3DvoCdC
Kreg Trak and Stops Kit - amzn.to/3ZVgnkB
Kreg Self-Adhesive Measuring Tape - amzn.to/3DGNpLU
Grizzly Cabinet Table Saw - amzn.to/3wXwzo1
Microjig Grr-Ripper Table Saw Pushblock - amzn.to/3XQ7I1y
Pneumatic Pin Nailer Kit - amzn.to/40kXlUQ
Dewalt Bar Clamp - amzn.to/3Rgtzgd
Bosch Plunge Router & Fixed Base - amzn.to/3X0R3XS
Flush Trim Router Bit Set - amzn.to/3X4YCgf
Table saw Dado Blade - amzn.to/2wZH7m1
Shinto Saw Rasp - amzn.to/3JpTNuG
Libraton Wood File Set - amzn.to/3wKMPsM
Safety Glasses - lddy.no/1etqg
Materials:
CA Glue with Activator Bundle - amzn.to/3XnHp1q
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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[@aam21spsl]

That jig will make things so much easier, and so simple. What a Blessing to have your children interested and working along with you.

[@jeremymcclanahan2389]

I love how your family joins in working in the shop.

[@koruki]

wow the shaving of the tenon instead of chiseling the mortise tip is awesome for quick jobs

[@smithsoncreationshandcraft5770]

Very cool and great info! When I start making mortise and tenon this is the way I’ll be doing it!! 😁😁 thank you for the extremely helpful information James!!

[@deborahelliott8460]

I can be thankful to those who post stuff like this. I learn a lot when people are willing to teach how to do stuff in woodworking.

[@vkess1]

Wow. I've been looking around on KZbin for something like this and it has exceeded my expectations for help cutting mortises in 3x3 legs for a table I'm building. You should do wood shows (if you don't already). You get right to the point will clear and concise instructions.

[@mrb4408]

Great vid Sir, I’m trying to step up my joint work.. this vid shows how easy it can be. Thanks.👍🏼👍🏼

[@talltimberswoodshop7552]

Thank you Professor James for the video. Great instruction with no wasted effort or words. You, sir, are a great teacher.

[@rstarguitar5350]

You know I just wanna stop and say how generous it is of you and your time to show people like me how to create A mortise and tenon you were able to simplify it to a digestible process . I discovered your channel maybe a year ago and I’ve been very impressed with not only your generosity of information and giving of your time not to mention the friendly way you deliver it I appreciate what you do for this community that I am hopefully becoming part of

[@acemany1126]

Thanks James. You remind me of my shop teacher Paul. Brings back memories 🍦

[@tonyioannoni4951]

When I see videos about mortise and tenons, and I see those people using only chisels, I used to say that I would never use that method because of the time it would take me, but I changed my position...because of your explaining...looks faster and much more user friendly!!! THANKS!!!

[@JeffMulongo]

The best teacher yet in this ! no more questions or thoughts. just got get to work and execute ! thank You - from Uganda , East Africa

[@awlthatwoodcrafts8911]

I actually watched the video so I could see the last minute, i.e. how to fit a square peg into a round hole. I'm going to use mortise and tenon joinery for my workbench that I'll be building this summer. I'll have 4x4 corner posts and I have already bought a 4" (length) spiral upcut bit for cutting the mortises. I'll do the tenons on the table saw, as you did. I've been going back and forth of whether I should square up the mortise or round over the tenon. Of all the ideas I've seen on KZbin, I like your idea best. A rasp and a file are definitely time savers. I was resigned to chiseling out the mortise and even looked forward to the experience (since I've never done it before) but I think I'm going to go with rounding over the tenon. Thanks for showing the whole process.

[@larrytaylor1358]

James I just stumbled upon this most helpful video this morning. You've opened the door that just solved a major challenge for me. Now I know just how to make a triangular mortise and the mated tenon. Thank you ever so much.

[@valdistor9038]

Always wondered how this joinery is done, it is not easy but with lots practice I think I can follow it. Thanks it really helps me a lot.

[@bradmcnamar5679]

This video really demystifies the process for rookies like myself. Thanks a million for the great video

[@MrRutabager]

nice to see the young people working and learning in your shop

[@nathan3647]

Another great video, clear and to the point. Very beautiful work. Wish you the best

[@mmgross144]

Great presentation! Thanks for sharing! It's great to see a family working together!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Michael, thank you!

[@nagarajbangalore9641]

this is the excellent way you uploaded this video for learners.Thank you very much .

[@x3cu70r]

One of the best instructional videos I’ve seen for how to properly create a mortise and tenon. Great Vid! Love all of your videos!

[@seanregehr4921]

Square corners are proper, not rounded and the differences will only be noticed after a long time. Square corners hold up better and leave less play and wiggle. This is very important depending on what exactly you utilize your mortise an tenon joinery for.

[@patmash]

Fantastic tip. Love how all your children learned this wonderful trade. Speaks volumes of your character! Happy Father's day james! DAD of the YEAR!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you Pat. You are very kind.

[@ivanrodriguez8966]

Just wanted to say thank you for the videos. I'm new to wood working and I'm getting a lot of good info from watching your chanel. Thanks again. God bless.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you.

[@LunaticFringeHunter]

That video was very well done and very informative. Thank you

[@robertlassiter5808]

James, you’re the most unassuming person on KZbin. Thank you for another interesting vid.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you Robert, you are very kind.

[@lmnop463]

you have the best informative video and narration on youtube IMO. thank you!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you for such a kind comment.

[@johnh5008]

Good video as usual. I like to cut my tenons just a bit short (maybe a 64th) of the length or the mortise, so they won't bottom out. That way I know the shoulders will be tight against the mating piece.

[@TheCraftyWeiner]

Definately explained a process to me that I wouldn't have considered. Thank you so much! Fantastic!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Anytime my friend!

[@TheCraftyWeiner]

@@KingsFineWoodworking Now I just need a project that needs them. lol

[@trustno1785]

I was skeptical on this video, but hey, it was a great video. Thanks dude

[@357lockdown]

Awesome jig James ...thanks.

[@wb_finewoodworking]

Excellent demonstration of mortise and tenon joints. The table looks like it will be an interesting project.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Don. Thank you.

[@jaimeecaballeros9742]

Just in time as I'm preparing to do mortise and tenon joints with limited tools, it is also inspiring to see your family involved in the woodworking business. Thanks James

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Jaime. Thank you very much.

[@barstad-9591]

Another great video from the King Family! Thanks. ❤️

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Barbara. Thank you! Hope you are doing well, we miss you in the chat. And thanks for the mallet order.

[@barstad-9591]

King's Fine Woodworking Hi James: I continue to follow the chat, but now with all these new nicknames I don’t know who is who. 😏 Pretty confusing.

[@christopherwiddis8453]

Useful and well explained to the point video!!!

[@vitas5995]

Thank you, great job as always!

[@andrewpowell6457]

Another fantastic tutorial from James

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you Andrew.

[@esixx17]

You guys always make everything look so easy.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you.

[@mikekeerdoja7541]

Thank you, that was a very helpful video!

[@lockcitywoodworks]

Just got those combo squares for my birthday. Added them to my Amazon wishlist on your recommendation on a previous video!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Awesome

[@1pcfred]

Those are double squares. A combo square has 90 and 45s.

[@glenngoodale1709]

Thanks for the video James, as always, great content

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@greg6107]

Thank you kind sir, as always great !!

[@raymontella2251]

Thank you I Am doing my first mortise and tenon table and was gong to Hand chisel the project but not now After seeing that great easy way to do it.

[@TheArmouryOfficial]

Very informative, thank you!

[@user-he8io9tr8m]

Hi from Russia, thanks for video!

[@tarikbenabdallah4993]

thank you so much ,great explanation

[@adamwilks]

Just wonderful. Thanks.

[@walterperrault]

Thank You, James, great video

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thanks Walter!

[@johnisley1285]

As always good and simple content. Thank you

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you.

[@wolverinebear5357]

Jg0eqpq3i3q87pq3⁰ 2 bbbv v. V. 4_bvvv5tn MN j

[@QuadDoc]

Another awesome one James!!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you.

[@vyaterminaciones]

amazing job people, thank you for teaching us

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you.

[@dandixon4034]

Perfect¿,great wrk,thank you

[@Aprendiz-de-Marceneiro]

Perfeito!!! Parabéns.

[@anonymousgeorge4321]

Great video. Thanks

[@BrandonCorby-wr5nd]

Would love to see you build a nice audio/equipment rack 19"!

[@thomasarussellsr]

Nicely done, King family.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@nobull-dozer3356]

Well done great vlog peeps .

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@nobull-dozer3356]

King's Fine Woodworking you’re welcome sir .

[@Jimbobuster1986]

Well that's now the way I do them. Thank you. Also when I get paid I'm going to order your rocking chair plans 🤪

[@chrisdemeglio7983]

As always, your videos are so detailed and concise. You referenced the high end router bit that you used to create the mortise but can you tell me what bit it is and where you purchased it? Thanks.

[@StanFerris]

Nicely done!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you.

[@hassanal-mosawi6049]

Thanks for sharing that

[@Joe_Sant]

Great job, nice video.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you.

[@ronthornton2583]

How cool is that? Thanks for sharing ☺

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thanks for watching!

[@ToughButHonest]

Too bad others don't make videos like you do. Thanks again for sharing.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

You are very welcome. Thank you for watching.

[@rongoldberg8174]

Love your videos. You need to get the boss (your wife) in one of the videos too!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Ron, I’ll do that!

[@jimbo2629]

I use a chisel Morticer which gives me square edges. My problem is cutting the tenons. The bandsaw only works if I have just set it up carefully and with a new blade. The circular saw is tedious without a dado stack and fitting that takes time. However I was given a Stanley hand router plane which I now use to finish off the tenon square and to the right depth. I either use hand tools or the band saw now and finish with the router plane. Great video.

[@garychristiansen508]

I love your videos!!! What I'd love to know is this! For most woodworking applications do you need to use quarter sawn lumber or is plain sawn just fine, even for table tops? The lumber mills in Nashville near me only have imported flat sawn lumber. Your help on this would be greatly appreciated! Keep up the quality videos!!!

[@jimcooney9019]

thanks for sharing your video

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thanks Jim.

[@DuncanEdwards.]

I love your thor hammer, delivery was really quick considering I am in the UK

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you! I’m glad it arrived quickly. I’m surprised by how many international orders we get. Countries from all over the world.

[@hussainali9999]

Thank you

[@markmac4596]

Great video James, thank you! For a minute there, at the beginning of the sled demo I thought you had painted your fingernails, not knowing it was your daughters hand!! LOL!

[@markmac4596]

@@samuelleonel4262 Nope...nobody cares about your spam

[@terrialbright3927]

Great. Video. The router bit didn’t have an active link, which bit and bearing did you use?

[@tyreesegoonjabi2919]

I just love watching these guys work together, being a father of 3 young girls it’s really inspiring to see you guys go at it together creating such wonderful pieces and sharing your knowledge with us all. Thanks so much.

[@vkess1]

Thanks!

[@joeymerrell8585]

Well that's easier than I've been doing it...gonna have to build another jig now!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you.

[@gregdamm7598]

I love your straightforward style and seeing the 'kids' helping/learning in your shop! I have not seen double squares before. Do you have a favorite brand of those? I'd love to support you through Amazon affiliate but couldn't find the brand in your list of tools.

[@elyping]

Hey i wonder could you somehow use the jig and router to round-over the tenon so it fits perfectly to the mortise? Great vid, btw. Thanks very much!

[@harrymortimore5120]

Great video James. Who makes the spiral upcut bit that you used and where are they sold? I have had zero luck finding any.

[@arianadiego3709]

a family who glues together, stays together... 😛😛😛

[@tjerkheringa937]

Nice video. It is indeed easy. I am less confident about the 'accuracy' claim that yiou make

[@hupajo]

WOW - suuuuuper👍✌️👍✌️

[@Audioventura]

james, could you maybe explain to me wich one you prefer and why: Combination square or Double Square? Is there a difference in angle precision between the two?

[@richardreeves3596]

James. Would there be any way that you could build a pool cue rack with a window door and two drawers in the bottom. Make it like a cabinet style cue rack.I watch your show all the time and think it is the top #1 informative wood working show on You Tube. Thank you .

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Richard. I could certainly do that. If somebody orders something similar I will be sure to make a video of it. I still do custom orders pretty regularly. Thank you very much for watching. You are very kind.

[@kitsurubami]

thank you!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

You are very welcome.

[@davefeinglass9118]

Hi James, It seems the links for the items used in the video are no longer active links, just text. Can you share which spiral upcut flush trim router bit you used? I'm looking to adopt your techniques here and wanted to get the right high end router bit. Thanks in advance and thank you for sharing this method. I've watched every YT video on Mortice and Tenon joints and this seems by far the easiest and most readily repeatable method. Well done. /Dave

[@ctenos45069]

Great video, and a novel innovation to solve a problem in a cost effective way. I was just curious. When you have 2 adjacent tenon joints, do you cut the tenon lengths to butt together inside?

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Clay T. Enos, In Friday’s video on the Daybed, (2 days from now), I’ll show you exactly how I handle that.

[@kenocallaghan8875]

Thanks for the video! Do you think this method is good for through tenon as well? Thx, Ken

[@cbenz7071]

Would you share what "top of the line" router bit you used?

[@2299jsimon]

Lignum vita grows in South Florida and the Keys...

[@natalia_hayden]

Would be great to get links to the tools used in this video.

[@matthewfarrer5778]

What bearing/bit was used in this video? I didn't see a link for it in the description.

[@survivalsearcher]

Those mallets are sick nasty

[@mikael6098]

i need those small adjustable square ruler, i cannot find on china online store, would you guys suggest if ya know

[@R53Driver]

very cool, but @ 14:30 what was the purpose of leaving so much space under the tenon and not having it slide completely down into the mortise?

[@jeffmeyers6837]

Great video as always! One issue I have is I’m not as good with a jigsaw as you and the sides of the cut out in my template don’t cone out perfectly straight. What do you think about building it out of 4 separate prices pocket screwed together.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Jeff. That is a great idea, and it would work perfectly.

[@40acrefarms90]

will that set up work on timber framed post beams rounded or do they need to be squared off for the pegs to hold better? im wanting to build a timber frame house and out of all the videos i have watched your way seems much faster

[@willevans1247]

Where would you use the block plane ,you mean if you haven’t lined up your joints properly you mean? Regards Will

[@rsmolkin]

Would it make sense to use a rounding router bit to round the mortise? Also, could a router be used to completely do the tenon?

[@mainormarroquin4911]

Nice u have all u famili with u

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thanks for watching.

[@zachgoestoeuro]

What if you take away too much material when creating the curved edge of the tenon? Would this cause issues with the fit since it’s covered in glue inside the mortise?

[@kevcol123]

You strike me as a guy that orders extra mayo on a hot n spicy from McDonalds with the way you use wood glue 😀