The Veritas Power Tenon Cutters are incredible tools. They are based on the old hollow auger tools, but they are easier to set, maintain and use. They make perfect round tenons, and you don’t have to use a drill to power them. I have used a brace, and my right hand at times, to make tenons.
The tools have a bit of a learning curve. Many people end up with tenons that are slightly off-center. Or worse, wildly off-axis.
I first started using these tenons cutters when I was in my “willow furniture phase” in about 2000, so I have thought about these tools a lot and used them a lot. The following video shows my tips for how to get the tenon centered on your stock.
If you like this sort of hard-won information, you’ll find more of it in my three chairmaking products:
— Christopher Schwarz
Thanks for this. I like the level on there. Is there something similar for the El Cheapo version of the tenon/plug cutter that Lee Valley sells for $25ish? Thats the one i bought due to budget.
This may be a little niche but I use my lathe for this process. Chuck the tenon cutter into the head stock. Move the tail stock to the same location you would if you were going to turn the spindle.Give yourself a 1/2″ of space so you can slip the spindle into the mouth of the tenon cutter without touching the blade. hold the spindle in place sighting down the length of it, Then proceed to feed the spindle into the cutter slowly at first- then firm pressure until it bottoms out. It may not be a faster method but it works. You could actually grip the spindle between centers and advance the tail stock but that is very slow and not necessary with just a little practice,
Curious how you feel about the older style adjustable tenon cutters like the EC Stearns hollow auger. I like that the diameter is adjustable, but in my limited experience they are fairly and I get a decent amount of tear out on the tenon. This could be user error, so I thought I’d ask what you think of them.
They work. But not great. The Veritas tenon cutter is a huge improvement.
whoops! No email attached to my email. Would you assist please.
Try this:
Hi there,
Was there supposed to be a link to a video in the blogpost, or just the opportunity to purchase the “Build a stick chair” video?
Thanks
Try this:
Don’t see the link, thanks.
Try this:
You’re one of my favorite human beings, Chris. I know people frequently leave comments like this on your blog, but I felt like it was time for me to leave one too. You’re honest, funny, a great writer, and an outstanding teacher. The detailed instructions and tool recommendations you provide are enormously helpful to beginning woodworkers. I can’t even imagine the scope of your impact in the world, helping so many people to discover a rewarding hobby like woodworking in such confusing modern times. So, this is my “thank you.”
Thanks Jason! Honestly most appreciated