Understanding Mortising: A Guide to Cutting Rectangular Holes in Wood

Mortising is a process of cutting a rectangular hole in a piece of wood or other materials to receive a tenon, a dowel, or a bolt. The hole is cut using a specialized tool called a mortise, which has a wedge-shaped cutting edge that removes material from the workpiece as it is pushed into the hole.
The purpose of mortising is to create a strong and secure joint between two pieces of wood or other materials. By cutting a precise rectangular hole in one piece and fitting a corresponding tenon on the other, a rigid and stable connection can be achieved. Mortising is commonly used in furniture making, cabinetry, and other woodworking applications where strength and stability are important.
There are different types of mortises, including:
* Straight mortise: A straight mortise is a simple rectangular hole cut perpendicular to the surface of the workpiece. It is commonly used for joining two pieces of wood at right angles.
* Shoulder mortise: A shoulder mortise is a type of mortise that has a sloping edge, allowing the tenon to fit snugly into the hole and providing additional strength to the joint.
* Dovetail mortise: A dovetail mortise is a type of mortise that has a wedge-shaped cut, allowing the tenon to fit securely into the hole and creating a strong and stable joint.

Mortising can be done using a variety of tools, including hand tools such as chisels and hand saws, or power tools such as drill presses and mortising machines. The process typically involves marking the location of the mortise on the workpiece, cutting the hole using a specialized tool, and fitting the tenon into the hole.