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Tenoning Jig

Table Saw Tenoning Jig

Let me start out by saying it is important to wear safety glasses when using the devices. The small pieces being cut out during this process can turn into small missiles. You should be wearing these at all times when operating machinery, but if you don't normally wear them, now would be a very smart time to start.

The table saw tenoning jig is an accessory that can speed up cutting tenons, while increasing the accuracy and safety of the process. The tenon is the counter part to the mortise. Together, they make the mortise and tenon joint.

While tenons can easily be cut on the table saw using a dado blade, the resulting tenon will not be as smooth as one cut with a single saw blade and tenon jig. Some feel the toothed effect left by the dado blade will strengthen the joint, as it gives the glue a better hold on the pieces. Much like a barbed fitting. Makes sense to me, but I've never had a joint fail, cut either way.

Most table saw manufacturers produce a tenoning jig for the table saw. These are fairly universal in function and appearance. While many of these look alike, a big consideration is the weight of the unit. The lighter ones are more likely to wobble slightly during use, which is not a good thing. The heavy duty units can weigh double that of the lighter units and the heft of them helps give you control for better results.

The older Delta units were very heavy, but I don't think they're available any longer as the cost was considerably higher that those made today. The Delta unit shown in the photos has various adjustments to allow very precise control over the work. It will tilt in two different directions for angled tenons. This is where it really excels over using a dado blade.

These units are also helpful in making rabits on the ends of narrow workpieces, such as making drawer sides.

All in all, this is my preferred way to produce tenons quickly and easily.