Mortiseren

Mortiseren is the woodworking process of cutting a mortise, a rectangular cavity, in a workpiece to receive a tenon, forming a mortise-and-tenon joint. This joint is one of the most enduring forms of wood joinery and is widely used in furniture, doors, frames, and cabinetry. The joint relies on precise fit, strong shoulders, and glue or pins to resist movement.

Mortises can be categorized by how far they extend into the piece: through mortises run completely through the stock; blind (or stopped) mortises terminate before the far face; haunched mortises combine a short, shouldered mortise with a haunched tenon for added resistance to pulling apart. The size and proportion of the mortise and tenon depend on the surrounding stock and the desired strength.

Design and sizing considerations include the mortise depth, which is typically about one third to one half the thickness of the member, and the tenon width, often around one third to one half of the stock’s width, allowing shoulders for alignment. The joint is usually reinforced with glue, and may be pinned with wooden pegs or wedges for extra security.

Techniques and tools vary. Hand methods use marking gauges, backsaws, chisels, and gouges to lay out and clean the mortise. Machine methods include hollow-chisel mortisers, drill-powered mortising, and routers with dedicated mortising bits. Regardless of method, clean walls, square shoulders, and a snug fit are essential for a durable mortise-and-tenon joint.

Safety and precision are emphasized, with careful layout, sharp tools, and gradual removal of material to avoid tear-out.