Lesson Objectives
- How to account for wood movement
- How to layout the tongue and mortice
- How to cut the mortice
- How to cut the tongue
This part of the project is great because we get to intentionally create gaps in joints! Yes, you read that correctly, it’s great isn’t it?
When fitting these drawer runners, we have what’s referred to as ‘cross grain’ construction. This means that the grain on one component is running perpendicular to the grain on another component in such a way that it restricts natural wood movement from occurring.
This amount of movement is difficult (but not impossible) to calculate. So we will be creating a 2-3mm gap to allow for the peaks and troughs of the wood movement cycle.
If you want to know more about wood movement, be sure to look at the ‘materials’ section on my website that has a whole section dedicated to the topic. These are listed in the supporting resources below.
If you want to calculate wood movement for your own projects, here is a calculator that I find to be useful:
Supporting Material
Click the images below to see supporting material helping you with this part of the project.
Wood Movement
Need further information on wood movement? This section of my online school will do just that!
Using a marking gauge on these small components can be tricky. This video gives some great tips to help you on the way!
Want to know more about cutting larger mortice and tenons? This lesson teaches it from start to finish!
Have you got the plans yet?
The Student Series
Want to see another beginner make this project before you? It’s a great way to scope out any mistakes before you make one yourself!
*To be filmed*
*To be filmed*