I’m nearing completion of a double forme (colonial bench) that I’ve been working on for some time. (The absence of posts during the month of October is due to the fact that I’ve been busy in the shop.) The frame is six-legged, with stretchers and aprons being held with mortise and tenon joints which will be draw pinned.
Due to the six-legged design, the center legs must support three mortise and tenon joints. The legs are turned from 2 x 2 stock, so the tenons would be uncomfortably short if they were simply butted together, then pinned.
The solution to the problem was simple and straightforward. Half-lapping the tenons would allow for greater length, thus improved strength and stability. Draw pinning can still be used on the joints as the half-lap does not run the entire length of the tenon.
More to come…
