Making a Tenoning Jig

Cut the pieces, using the measurements below.

• 1- Miter gauge extension — 16" wide x 12" high
  
  
• 4- Vertical rails — 3" wide x 12" high
  
  
• 4- Horizontal rails — 3" wide x 12 3/4" high

Tenon length, width and thickness

Tenon cheeks and shoulders

The setup of your saw and the fit of the tenon you use as a gauge determine the jig's accuracy. Pay close attention as you set up the saw and take your time cutting the first tenon.

1. With the saw unplugged, set the blade height equal to the length of your precut tenon. Place the tenon cheek centered against the right side of the blade and slide the fence against the right side of the tenon stock.
   
   
2. Lock the fence in place. Ensure that the blade does not deflect (bend) when you lock the fence. The blade should rotate with the tenon as you move it along the fence, but it should not bind or grab.
   
   
3. Place the miter gauge in the left slot and set the gauge to 0°.

The assembly is simple, but do not hurry through the process. A good jig should serve you well for several years and the time spent making it will be time saved in the future.

1. Cut the pieces according to the cut list.
   
   
2. Face glue and clamp the vertical and horizontal rail pieces. Allow the glue in each piece to cure according to the manufacturer's instructions before you continue working.
   
   
3. Rip 1/4" off each laminated face of each rail to ensure they are all flat. The rails should now be 2 1/2" wide across the factory faces and 3" wide on the laminated faces.
   
   
4. Stand the miter gauge extension on its edge and butt one end against the fence. Slide the miter gauge forward until its face is touching the back of the extension. Drive 1" screws through the slots in the miter gauge into the extension. Check for square between the extension and the fence.
   
   

   Your completed jig should look like this. Click here for a larger, more detailed view.






5. Stand the precut tenon on end with one face against the fence and one edge against the front face of the miter gauge extension. Butt a laminated face of the vertical rail tightly against the exposed face of the tenon stock. A factory face should be against the face of the extension. Starting 4" up from the saw table, drive 3" wood screws through the back of the extension into the vertical rail. Starting the screws at 4" up ensures that the screws are clear of the saw's maximum blade height.
   
   







6. Position the horizontal rail with one laminated face on the saw table, one end butted against the vertical rail and a factory face butted to the face of the extension. Drive 3" wood screws through the back of the extension into the horizontal rail.
   
   
7. Starting 4" up from the table, clamp your tenon stock to the right side of the vertical rail. One edge of the stock should be butted tightly to the front face of the extension. Make a test tenon. Make the cuts in the same order shown in making a mortise and tenon joint.