Producing mortise and tenon joints

[kentster]

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.

[smreish]

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.

---

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

[MetalHead]

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.

[Gerald D]

Plug Tails (instead of dovetails) done on a MechMate

[kentster]

Originally Posted by smreish

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.

---

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

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