I have been making chairs, stools, and benches for a long time. I've always used tapered mortise and tenons for the leg joints. To make the leg tenons I've always made them on the lathe. To get a good fit it always took a few tries to get a perfect fit. I've been wanting to try the Lee Valley tenon cutter to speed production but the size I need seems to be always out of stock......so I made one today.
Similar to what is called a rounding plane for making dowels but I need it to make tapered tenons.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10125/IMG_4394.jpg) (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=353720)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10125/IMG_4395.jpg) (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=353719)
Most commonly a old plane iron is used for the cutter but I did not have one so I grabbed a piece of 1095 tool steel and made the cutter. When I milled the slots I made them .030 wider than the bolts to allow for adjustments.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10125/IMG_4393.jpg) (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=353718)
Just like a pencil sharpener. Stupid mistake, I put the cutter on the wrong side so I have to turn the leg left to cut. They can be made to cut with the leg held in a vise but since all my legs are tapered and hard to clamp I turn the leg into the cutter.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10125/IMG_4399.jpg) (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=353723)
The end result.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10125/IMG_4397.jpg) (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=353722)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10125/IMG_4396.jpg) (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=353721)
First try into a test mortise and with luck the fit was close. I tweaked it just a hair and got it perfect. I have lots of chairs to make and this should speed production.
That looks sweet! I like the use of Osage for the body too. Good choice. I'm inspired, and I'll think I'll make a similar dowel maker with Osage. I think I have an extra plane iron.
Cool! But what do you use to make the tapered hole?
For these chairs I drill a 5/8" hole than follow up with a 12 degree tapered reamer I bought from Lee Valley. The tenon cutter pictured cuts a 12 degree taper to match.
I also have 6 and 8 degree shop made reamers that I sometimes use.
Great job on finding a home made solution to your problem!
Does anyone else wish they were Larry's neighbor? I'd stop over at least once a week to to see what cool stuff he was up to. ffsmiley
I do, but I don't think he would tolerate me for long. I'd be over weekly asking if I could 'just run these dozen or so leg blanks through his tenon cutter?' and other such small things. ffcheesy
Tom, I am sure Larry knows the teach a man to fish parable, and he would quickly offer to help you make your own. :wink_2: ffsmiley
I really enjoy shop visitors. I get questions like "why did ya do it thata way?" "why not this way?". We exchange ideas and thoughts. I think both parties are well rewarded with thoughtful conversation. ffsmiley
I was going to ask the same question as John Sawicky.