http://www.woodreview.com.au 83TECHNIQUEthe kerf ending on the inner edge of
the hole, showed some minor splitting
on the outside of one hole (photo 10).
Two small splits were noticeable at
the end of each angled kerf used for
method four (photo 11). Finally, the
last method, where no relief was cut
in the mortise, showed no splitting in
the kerfs. The trade-off here is much
less surface area contact with the
tenon and the mortise compared to
the other methods (photo 12).
Differences?
What conclusions can be drawn
from these tests? There is definite
reduction in splitting when an offset
hole or angled kerf is used but it
is interesting to note that it is not
completely eliminated. Should you
use either method for your next
through wedged mortise and tenon?
It depends. Timber is the main
variable here, the soft poplar used to
conduct these tests will behave very
differently to a more brittle and dense
timber like blackbutt.
And what of the fox wedged tenon
revisit? The joint went together
with relative ease. An angled kerf
was used, although in retrospect
an offset hole would be better as
the wedges were a little tricky to fit
when inserting the tenon into the
mortise. The tenon flared correctly
into the mortise relief, providing
that (frustrating to future furniture
restorers) almost unbreakable joint
that is the benefit of the fox wedge.
Interestingly, one wedge ended up
at an odd angle but still worked as
required (photo 13).
Some parting words of advice to
anyone contemplating a fox wedged
tenon in the future, there is great
benefit and peace of mind to be had
by doing an open mortise test before
trying it out on your project.
Photos: Liam Thomas
Liam Thomas is Melbourne based
furniture designer maker and restorer.
Email [email protected]
Instagram @weeatthesun
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