Producing mortise and tenon joints
 

Although I'm still in the planning stages of my build, I foresee the need to produce mortise and tenon joints. Aside from building a vertical fixture as demonstrated by another forum user, are there other approaches to consider? I found a commercial mortise and tenon system, but at first glance it appears that the depth of the joint may be limited. The system I'm referring to can be viewed at tenoncam.com.

Kent,
If you don't want to invest in special tooling, that type of work is very possible on the MechMate. It will require a tool change, but easy.

Step 1 - do the top surface "cheek" of the tenon with a standard 1/4 or 3/8" flat bottom cutting bit.
Step 2 - using a keyhole bit or similar bit that has an underhung shelf in the bit, cut the underside "cheek" and release the part.

This type of work does require a vaccum table, due the fact that no tabs will be possible with the undercut pass that releases the part.

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The other scenario would require the part to be registered on the table and you do a two sided cut. This will require you to "flip" the part. If your doing a lot of the same, it's not that hard to set up. If the parts are all different, then it's a pain and VERY time consuming making all those part files twice.

Good luck.

Sean

I think it is time to bring this joint back online after 110 years.

http://www.thewoodworksinc.com/artic...nt_joint.shtml

Need someone to draw in a dxf of this one and cut it out.

Plug Tails (instead of dovetails) done on a MechMate

Sean,

Thank you for the information. I definitely want a vacuum table so this requirement will be covered. I don't mind purchasing special tooling, I simply want the process to be as easy and efficient as possible. Once I'm up and running I'll definitely give your suggestion a try.

I suspect the dimensions of my work will be rather consistent so I should be able to flip the part with relative ease in the second scenario. My goal is to build cabinetry for my new offices and other personal projects.

Kent