The “mortise” is the recess where the tenon goes. It can be cut by hand with a mallet and mortising chisel, or mechanically with a mortising machine and a hollow chisel bit. If you don’t have those ...

Woodworkers have always been very clever about making strong and attractive joints — think of the strength of a mortise and tenon ... than chisels and a hand saw, plus a lot of practice ...

Now cut down to your depth mark with a tenon saw. Then use a chisel and mallet to remove the waste from both pieces of timber. Hold your chisel by the blade for accuracy and control. To finish ...

rip saw - for ‘ripping’ through and rough cutting thicker planks and boards tenon saw - for cutting straight lines with accuracy coping saws, jig saws and scroll saws - all for cutting thinner ...