Whether used in small furniture designs or soaring timber frame constructions, the mortise and tenon joint is a critical skill to master for the joining of wood parts together. Not only is it incredibly strong, the resilient wood-on-wood joint survives the test of time, flexing as needed with seasonal changes in the wood and avoiding the corrosion and water infiltration sometimes caused by metal fasteners. Learning the pegged and wedged mortise and tenon will build a foundation on which other styles of joints are based. In this workshop we will layout, cut and fit mortise and tenons and explore methods to fix them in place.
Topics Covered
The principles of all wood construction and the mortise and tenon
Understanding layout marks
The process of cutting a mortise and tenon
Methods of joint locking, the peg and the wedge
Chopping a mortise by hand
Cutting a tenon by hand
Fitting adjustment within the context of an assembly
Overview of power tool methods
Included with Tuition
Meals Included - This two day workshop includes catered Lunch and Dinner on the first day, and Breakfast and Lunch on the second day.
Material Included - Students will receive pre-layed-out practice members.
Prerequisites
Our Introduction to Sharpening Workshop and Introduction to the Japanese Saw are prerequisites for this experience. See our Prerequisites information for qualifying prior training.
Required Tools
The following tools are required to get the most out of your experience. A loner may be available but not guaranteed. A curated kit of premium Japanese tools will be available for purchase at checkout.
240-270mm Ryoba Saw
15-24mm Oire, Tataki or Chu Tataki Japanese Chisel
Japanese Hammer (350-500g)
150 or 300mm Sashigane / Square
Your sharpening supplies
Optional Tools
Marking gauge (Japanese kebiki preferred)
Marking knife
Register Below
Begin your registration process below. You’ll have the option to purchased curated tools during checkout.
Attendance limited to 6 students.
Please kindly review our class and workshop policies at the link below:
For events lasting more than day we offer rustic camping on the property:
For recommended tools for this class and your woodworking career: