Early Access Video: Mortising Basics
Added 2021-02-20 12:01:00 +0000 UTCFriends:
The humble mortise is just a rectangular hole in a piece of wood. It's simple. But it gives woodworkers fits!
The mortise is deceptively complex to cut, but I have a bunch of tools, tricks, and hacks to help you master this essential joint. Get practicing now; we'll have a project using this joint in early March.
I also link to a bunch of channels, videos and books that I recommend. There's a lot on this subject!
Happy Saturday!
--Rex
Comments
I hear you! If you just align the chisel with the edge of the board, you'll do fine. Just practice!
Rex Krueger
2021-04-09 13:21:13 +0000 UTCRex, first off THANK YOU, I just joined your Patreon, because your videos have really helped me improve my technique. I appreciate the way you break things down to the fundamentals for new woodworkers. I've watched your videos on cutting mortises, and Paul Sellers, and others. The part I think I'm still having a little trouble with is sighting. I would love if one of you experts did a video that showed your eyeline as your cutting mortises, and other foundational skills for that matter. It probably sounds gimmicky to strap on a Go Pro and give us the first person point of view, but I'm sure you can think of a practical way to present it. Thanks.
Robert Schalk
2021-04-07 14:10:49 +0000 UTCThis was really helpful but my one question is: How level is the floor of the mortise? If using the mortice techniques to simply carve out small holes in things, as I did recently for a small carving using a pen blank, I had a lot of trouble keeping it level and smooth in the end. There as a lot of sanding with one or two fingers...
Jeanine Hoffman
2021-03-30 19:58:35 +0000 UTCRex, thks for making this helpful video. Between ur video and Paul Sellers I made my first two practice Mortise and Tennon's. I am going to get a Mortise Chisel to see if I can get a little more clean lines and I definitely decided I want a quality saw as that is the weak part of my Mortise making. Lines were not great when put together. It's been fun learning something new.
Thor C. Ritz
2021-03-20 09:10:58 +0000 UTCThank you for the feedback.
Mark Evans
2021-02-28 02:51:57 +0000 UTCMy next door neighbor is Amish. Just this week he asked me to help him in the summer. He’s building his barn with Mortise and Tenon framing with timbers from his property. Btw, I’ve struggled with Mortises forever, and usually just opt for pocket hole joinery, where a mortise and tenon is called for. Finally, after watching this video, I went out to my shop and cut a few tenons in some really bad white Wood 2x4s. I didn’t crack off the shoulder, didn’t hollow out the walls, and well...it just looks good! Thank you!!!
Timber Wizard Survival
2021-02-24 02:16:50 +0000 UTCI have to say, I've settled on Joshua Klien's method with the mortise chisel as well. I used Paul Sellers method a lot early on. But then I watched Joshua and hmm. Presto chango. I'm very happy with it, to this point :D. I've also tried the centre out method and I find it works really well in very splintery wood, like white oak. I've gotten very consistent results in white oak starting in the centre like that. It's not faster. Great video, once again. Thanks kindly
William Allen
2021-02-23 18:07:13 +0000 UTCThe one I show in the video is fine and affordable. Will it last? I don't know. If I were buying one just for me, I'd go with the Lie Nielsen. They're out of stock now, but when they're in stock, they're $65 and pretty hard to beat. (See what I did there?)
Rex Krueger
2021-02-23 12:39:12 +0000 UTCMy pleasure!
Rex Krueger
2021-02-23 12:36:36 +0000 UTCDon't forget that you can also make the bridle joint I shoed in one of the turning saw videos. I promise it works great and no mortises needed.
Rex Krueger
2021-02-23 12:36:27 +0000 UTCPaul claims that the bevel edge chisel is quicker, but I fend them about the same. I think the mortise chisel is less effort and it stays straight with little effort. It's my choice.
Rex Krueger
2021-02-23 12:35:31 +0000 UTCYou're really going to struggle with that, especially since any 1/2 in chisel is going to be pretty light for that kind of work. I suggest picking up a 1 in chisel off ebay. I promise it will be worth it.
Rex Krueger
2021-02-23 12:34:28 +0000 UTCSeeing this video pop up made me think you were watching my video search history. I am building my first real workbench. I would like to make a 1 inch wide mortise with my 1/2 inch chisel in 2 passes, but I am worried that the chisel will twist on the second pass. What is the best approach?
Mark Evans
2021-02-23 01:04:14 +0000 UTCWhat do you prefer to chop a mortise. I have never had to chop one yet but I know I will have to for the joiner mallet. I have always seen you chop them with a beveled edge chisel and same with Paul Seller. He actually did a demonstration of using both and I think the Mortise chisel was just a slight bit faster.
Boney Boards
2021-02-22 16:41:31 +0000 UTCThis is what I been needing to see, I've been wanting to build a buck saw for camping that's much like your turning saw but folds up. The handles are mortise jointed which I haven't done before and been putting off. Just waiting to buy a chisel, been trying to buy a jointer plane, my number one priority at this time.
Solia
2021-02-22 15:35:22 +0000 UTCWow, I just learned a lot about mortises I didn't know. Thank you so much.
Denis Dionne
2021-02-22 11:07:59 +0000 UTCI hope that barrel is up on the Discourse. Everyone will want to see that!
Rex Krueger
2021-02-21 18:56:20 +0000 UTCI'm delighted to have that place in your life!
Rex Krueger
2021-02-21 18:55:46 +0000 UTCIt's totally my pleasure! Thank you!
Rex Krueger
2021-02-21 18:55:22 +0000 UTCNice! I don't really want link to a tool I haven't tried, but i appreciate the heads-up.
Rex Krueger
2021-02-21 18:55:04 +0000 UTCWe're always trying. My goal is for each video to be a little bit better than the one before. Thanks for noticing!
Rex Krueger
2021-02-21 18:53:49 +0000 UTCI'm gonna go ahead and blame that on my editor!
Rex Krueger
2021-02-21 18:53:11 +0000 UTCNice! Any registered chisel will chop a pretty good mortise, so you might never need to buy another one just for mortising.
Rex Krueger
2021-02-21 18:52:48 +0000 UTCGood question! Traditionally, tenons are only shouldered on one end, usually the upper end, to keep the mortise from poking out the end of the table leg (for instance). Shouldering the other end is a waste of time and gives you a narrower tenon and a weaker joint for no reason. Keeping the end of the mortise clean will give you a crisp line with no wasted effort.
Rex Krueger
2021-02-21 18:51:49 +0000 UTCAny recommendations on which chisel? Great video. Always have had difficulty making consistent mortises.
Amy Holderness
2021-02-21 18:49:27 +0000 UTCI do it like a bench chisel. Some people do a pretty steep secondary bevel on there. Look at Peter's chisel in the video I link to. It's certainly an area for more study.
Rex Krueger
2021-02-21 18:48:56 +0000 UTCI just finished cutting twenty -four 2-3/4"x2-3/4" by 3" deep mortises in an elm windlass barrel for a historic ship. Then eight mortises with sloping floors 5" wide by 1" deep on the back edge sloping to 0" on the front edge. I used a 2" framing chisel, it has square sides, so I guess it must be a big brother of a mortise chisel. I tried a couple of the techniques you describe but kept coming back to starting at one end.
Fred Gosbee
2021-02-21 15:51:58 +0000 UTCThanks again for researching, testing and presenting valuable information to us. I have done very little mortising and while I do enjoy it I'm still kind of intimidated by it. I look forward to trying a different approach and seeing how it goes. Your channel continues to be of great value to me. It has become for me 'my show' that I watch on weekend mornings.
Jeff Stauffer
2021-02-21 15:08:43 +0000 UTCRex, you are a solid mentor, and the work you are doing is important. I am excited for the future project videos. To go from tool restoration, technique, and then building continues to be an amazing journey. Thanks!
Pete seddon
2021-02-21 14:39:19 +0000 UTCHey Rex just found a Narex mortise chisel in stock for $18.99 here is the link https://www.highlandwoodworking.com/narex-4mm-mortise-chisel.aspx
Chet Plant
2021-02-21 04:46:42 +0000 UTCIt feels like you added an extra layer of finish on this one, the production value of your channel just keeps getting better!
Michael Smoljanovic
2021-02-21 04:08:01 +0000 UTCfact check. 3/4 inch is 19mm. Not 14mm. Otherwise great video.
Thomas Harm
2021-02-21 03:28:47 +0000 UTCRex,
Thomas Harm
2021-02-21 03:26:10 +0000 UTCThank God my wife actually heard Norm Abrahams says "There is no such thing as too many clamps." I need about 18- 24" clamps to glue up alder guitar bodies. What's your recommendation?
Iron Regimenti
2021-02-21 02:12:35 +0000 UTCThank you Rex for making my Saturday afternoon. I have several chisels that are not mortising chisels but I never knew what to call them. Now I know they are registered chisels. I am ready too chop some mortises.
Matt Evans-Koch
2021-02-21 00:20:34 +0000 UTCIt's like trade school. The translation from Danish to English says that it's called a education as a wood-joiner/cabinet maker. School combined with apprenticeship for 3½ years. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Me being 43 years old now.
Laura Worninger
2021-02-20 23:55:37 +0000 UTCI don't understand why the ends of the mortice are so important (apart from perfectionism!). There won't be any glue strength there as it's end grain on the mortice piece to the side of the tenon. And a shoulder on the tenon will mean it's hidden and looks neater, so why the anxiety about leavering against the end or overshooting it if you hit hard too close.
hollo
2021-02-20 23:24:06 +0000 UTCSo what is the universe telling me then? I spent a lot of this week cutting mortises for a workbench frame (having never done them before), and now this video comes along!
hollo
2021-02-20 23:17:46 +0000 UTCI saw that. I'm ok with waiting (haven't tried doing a mortise yet). The Narex is $15.90 from Lee valley.
Matt Stalford
2021-02-20 22:15:40 +0000 UTCWhat is the best method when sharpening a mortise chisel? Same as bench chisel?
Don Heselton
2021-02-20 22:09:21 +0000 UTCThe Crown chisel in the video is in stock. Link in description.
Rex Krueger
2021-02-20 22:07:08 +0000 UTCGood luck indeed!
Rex Krueger
2021-02-20 22:06:45 +0000 UTCThe link to the one in the video is in the description. 3/8 is just as good.
Rex Krueger
2021-02-20 22:06:14 +0000 UTCI'm so glad you think so!
Rex Krueger
2021-02-20 22:05:46 +0000 UTCVery glad I could help!
Rex Krueger
2021-02-20 22:05:30 +0000 UTCI'm sure I will!
Rex Krueger
2021-02-20 22:05:20 +0000 UTCThe one in the video seems fine for the money. Link in description.
Rex Krueger
2021-02-20 22:05:09 +0000 UTCWell, the one I show isn't very pricey, but I'm not sure how good it is. The really cheap ones (like Narex) are all out of stock. Hell, most of the pricey mortise chisels are out of stock.
Rex Krueger
2021-02-20 22:04:38 +0000 UTCI think a lot of people struggle with that.
Rex Krueger
2021-02-20 22:03:43 +0000 UTCYou can do these freehand. I promise.
Rex Krueger
2021-02-20 22:03:10 +0000 UTCYou didn't really need an excuse!
Rex Krueger
2021-02-20 22:02:52 +0000 UTCIt's a fine design, for sure!
Rex Krueger
2021-02-20 22:02:41 +0000 UTCPractice is essential. And if you can't find the brace, grab ye olde cordless drill and get to work anyway!
Rex Krueger
2021-02-20 22:02:26 +0000 UTCGlad to help!
Rex Krueger
2021-02-20 22:01:47 +0000 UTCLuckily, it's just one tool and it's not pricey.
Rex Krueger
2021-02-20 22:01:30 +0000 UTCWoodworking school? That's something I'd like to hear about.
Rex Krueger
2021-02-20 22:01:09 +0000 UTCThanks! I cannot claim any credit for that one.
Rex Krueger
2021-02-20 22:00:48 +0000 UTCVery glad you liked it!
Rex Krueger
2021-02-20 22:00:23 +0000 UTCSeems okay to me. Maybe your playback had a little glitch.
Rex Krueger
2021-02-20 22:00:09 +0000 UTCVery limited quantities everywhere. I'm seeing a few 3/16". Went ahead and ordered the Narex 5/16" (should have it late March/early April). Gives me time to start practicing with a beveled chisel.
Matt Stalford
2021-02-20 21:52:22 +0000 UTCThank you, Rex. I enjoy your style of teaching very much. You have a gift for that. I also like that you showed a few different ways and stressed that you’re not saying one method is better than the other, but it’s what works for the individual. Thanks, too, for referencing the other woodworkers and their books on the different methods. And this video is quite timely as I’m about to use mortise chisels in the near future on a Roubo style bench I’ve decided to build. I just got a set of Narex mortise chisels and I will need them for those big mortises on the bench top. First, I’ll be prepping the bench top stock-6 4x4’s glued together for a 21” wide by 5’ long top- (I’ll be using the cutoffs for the legs) in a day or two. Wish me luck!
Sean O'Neill
2021-02-20 21:23:55 +0000 UTCNarex 5/16 mortise chisel out of stock at Lee Valley (CAD & US store) till April. 15.90 US store, 19.50 CAD store. Couldn't find the a 5/16 mortise chisel on Amazon CAD or Amazon US (only sets)
John Morrison
2021-02-20 19:33:15 +0000 UTCThis is one of your best videos ever. The plexiglas demonstration makes your instructions very clear and understandable. Thanks!
Richard Hunt
2021-02-20 19:19:59 +0000 UTCI'm delighted that it's useful!
Rex Krueger
2021-02-20 17:05:22 +0000 UTCThank you!
Rex Krueger
2021-02-20 17:05:02 +0000 UTCThat's what I was hoping for!
Rex Krueger
2021-02-20 17:04:55 +0000 UTCYeah, I cannot do that!
Rex Krueger
2021-02-20 17:04:38 +0000 UTCClear and concise as (almost) always. Been playing around with some mortise and tenon constructions lately, and found this useful. Thanks Rex!
Vasileios
2021-02-20 16:12:52 +0000 UTCP.S. I, for one, hope you do a companion video on making tenons!
Russell Gough
2021-02-20 16:09:24 +0000 UTCExcellent, Rex! Any recommendations on a mortising chisel?
Russell Gough
2021-02-20 16:02:55 +0000 UTCThen it's a good thing, that I have enrolled in a woodworking school with start in August.
Laura Worninger
2021-02-20 15:56:20 +0000 UTCAs always you described this process in a clear and easily understood fasion. Thanks Rex! I did notice that you didn't give us the Rex standard "Here's where to get a cheap one"
Jeremy Carlsten
2021-02-20 15:08:46 +0000 UTCI do, as well, but with that massive bevel, I think it would be easy to sharpen. It's not like you have to find the edge, 😂
Geoffrey Wilson
2021-02-20 14:28:07 +0000 UTCTwo other things that have started to correct my mortise chopping: Matt Estlea’s recommendation to orientate the work so you sight down the long axis of the mortise and Paul Seller’s mortise guides. Whether it is a mortise (my only one is 3/8) or bevel chisel has made less impact. Keeping the tool plumb is my biggest challenge.
Brian Bell
2021-02-20 14:10:37 +0000 UTCSharpening? These clearly do not fit into any standard honing jig that I've seen. Yes, I do use a honing jig.
Bill Brisky
2021-02-20 14:08:12 +0000 UTCJust the excuse I needed to biy a mortising chisel. Great video. Thanks
Iron Regimenti
2021-02-20 13:43:00 +0000 UTCGreat job Rex, thanks for sharing the other channels. I am already a fan of Paul Sellers and I am planning to build his bench for my shop.
Skully Wood and Metal
2021-02-20 13:21:01 +0000 UTCThis was very interesting. I’m going to practice on some scrap before building a doll chair for my daughter. Now to find a good, inexpensive bit brace
Jacob Downing
2021-02-20 13:19:14 +0000 UTCPerfect timing! Waiting on my narex chisels to come in the mail and my next project is a bassinet that will be mostly M&T
Tommy
2021-02-20 13:16:03 +0000 UTCI see many mortises in your future woodworking . . .
Mike Washburn
2021-02-20 13:10:33 +0000 UTCI can always count on you to "recommend" a new tool to buy. You even give me good reasons to do so, which sometimes I don't need.
Bill Brisky
2021-02-20 12:52:49 +0000 UTCLove the plexiglass demo.
Jon Linna
2021-02-20 12:50:15 +0000 UTCI think that the universe is telling me something. Last night I watched Paul Seller's video on doing mortises and here comes Rex's video about the same thing. Love it.
Laura Worninger
2021-02-20 12:50:15 +0000 UTCAlways a joy and glad to get something new out of a video
Jimmie Petsel
2021-02-20 12:45:39 +0000 UTCIt seems like you are missing 1-2 seconds at the start of your video. You start the video in the middle of a sentence
Shanni Marmen
2021-02-20 12:33:15 +0000 UTCGreat video to start my work day. Always great stuff, glad I found this page and getting on Patreon.
Jason Ransom
2021-02-20 12:27:32 +0000 UTCAs always, informative and entertaining video. Thanks, Rex. :)
Csongor Halmai
2021-02-20 12:26:07 +0000 UTCExcellent. I learned a lot with your simple straight forward focused lesson.
Robert Bullock
2021-02-20 12:18:49 +0000 UTCWith those closed eyes in the thumbnail it looks like you're about to perform a magic trick. "Watch how I pass my finger through this razor sharp chisel, without even looking!"
Matthew Leigh
2021-02-20 12:02:19 +0000 UTC
