Bill Szydlo
06-26-2021, 8:23 PM
I own one of the original Leigh FMTs and an aspect of it has always confused me. Assuming a 5/16" thick tenon is appropriate for 3/4" stock the max depth of the mortise is around 1". This accounts for bit length and accuracy/deflection of the bit at extended distances. Regarding what mortise depth is appropriate, I have read anywhere from 40% to 60% of the width of the mortise stock. Using 50%, a 1" deep mortise would be appropriate for 2" wide stock.
When making a door frame, rails could easily be wider than 2" so is a 1" deep mortise inadequate? This seems to be a limitation of all router created mortises. To get a deeper mortise you would have to use a larger bit. For instance a 1/2" bit could do 2" deep mortises but the resulting tenon would be inappropriate for the tenon width (in 3/4" stock).
Using 3/4" stock, would a 1" deep mortise be satisfactory or is this a slight of hand with router mortising jigs that you never think about until after purchasing?
Any help with this confusing router mortise topic would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Bill
When making a door frame, rails could easily be wider than 2" so is a 1" deep mortise inadequate? This seems to be a limitation of all router created mortises. To get a deeper mortise you would have to use a larger bit. For instance a 1/2" bit could do 2" deep mortises but the resulting tenon would be inappropriate for the tenon width (in 3/4" stock).
Using 3/4" stock, would a 1" deep mortise be satisfactory or is this a slight of hand with router mortising jigs that you never think about until after purchasing?
Any help with this confusing router mortise topic would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Bill