How a little wedge makes the STRONGEST joint ever! 

▼EXPAND THIS SECTION FOR MORE RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS VIDEO▼ *Tools used in this video:* -Mechanical Pencils: amzn.to/2PA7bwK -Marking Gauge: lddy.no/10muz ★THIS VIDEO WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY★ -Fisch Forstner Bits: amzn.to/2tvzbJg -Fisch Drill Bits: amzn.to/2BHJLl4 *Please help support us by using the link above for a quick look around!* (If you use one of these affiliate links, we may receive a small commission) *Links to more Stumpy Nubs:* -More videos on our website: stumpynubs.com/ -Subscribe to our e-Magazine: stumpynubs.com/browse-and-subscribe/ -Check out our project plans: stumpynubs.com/product-category/plans/ -Instagram: instagram.com/stumpynubs/ -Twitter: twitter.com/StumpyNubs -Facebook: facebook.com/Stumpy-Nubs-Woodworking-Journal-305639859477973/ ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE CHEAP TOOLS★ -123 Blocks: lddy.no/vpij -Mechanical Pencils: amzn.to/2PA7bwK -Lumber pencil: amzn.to/2QtwZjv -Pocket Measuring Tape: amzn.to/2kNTlI9 -Irwin Drill Bit Gauge: amzn.to/2AwTkQg -Nut/Bolt/Screw Gauge: amzn.to/2CuvxSK -Self-Centering Punch: amzn.to/2QvbcrC -Self-Centering Bits: amzn.to/2xs71UW -Angle Cube: lddy.no/10nam -Steel Ruler: lddy.no/10mv7 -Utility knife: amzn.to/3nfhIiv -Center-Finding Ruler: lddy.no/10nak -Bit & Blade Cleaner: amzn.to/2TfvEOI -Digital depth gauge: amzn.to/3mwRf2x -Wood Glue: amzn.to/3mqek6M -Spade Bits: amzn.to/3j8XPtD ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE HAND TOOLS★ -Digital Caliper: amzn.to/384H1Or -Marking Gauge: lddy.no/10muz -Marking knife: lddy.no/10mv0 -Narex Chisels: lddy.no/sqm3 -Stanley Sweetheart Chisels: amzn.to/3y5HDOc -Mini Pull Saw: amzn.to/2UEHBz6 -Gent Saw: lddy.no/ss2x -Coping saw: amzn.to/2W7ZiUS -Shinwa Rulers: lddy.no/zl13 ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE POWER TOOLS★ -Miter Saw: amzn.to/3gqIlQ8 -Jointer: amzn.to/3yc3gfZ -Planer: amzn.to/3mn6BGF -Router: amzn.to/3grD22S -Sander: amzn.to/3DdvD0Y -Cordless drill: amzn.to/3D9ZiIm -Brad nailer: amzn.to/3gsRkjH -Mini Compressor: amzn.to/3mvrmQr -Bladerunner: amzn.to/2Wl0TtJ -Jig Saw: amzn.to/3zetTBY -Scroll Saw: amzn.to/3gq9qDc -Multi-Tool: amzn.to/3muZuMi ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE OTHER TOOLS★ -Drill Bits: amzn.to/3B8Ckzh -Forstner Bits: amzn.to/3kk3wEI -Shop Vacuum: amzn.to/2Wkqnbl -Machine Setup Blocks: amzn.to/3gq7kDh -Counter-Sink Bit: amzn.to/37ZukUo -Featherboard: amzn.to/3DeqHsq -ISOtunes Hearing Protection (Save $10): bit.ly/3BHYdH7 (If you use one of the affiliate links above, we may receive a small commission)

Whenever I finish a Stumpy video I feel like I have a greater understanding of a concept than I would with ANY other RU-vidrs' videos.

There are many well-meaning woodworkers on RU-vid but very few of them can explain *why* things are done in a certain way. Your knowledge shines through and your teaching style makes it possible for us to learn and understand, rather than simply copying.

Know what I love most about this video? That you're being open about the tremors and don't care, not allowing yourself to be discouraged and do work with those hands. Hats off.

I never wanted to say anything, but I actually appreciate the tremors. My hands aren't the steadiest by any means and it actually makes me a little less worried

In addition to the craft skills already recognized in many other comments and the equally excellent and not hectic camera work and film editing, I would like to emphasize something else: As a non-native English speaker, your emphasis, expression and comfortable speaking speed make it easy for me to follow your explanations. Thanks for that. And also that there is no annoying music ;p

The expanse of your woodworking knowledge seems endless and your style of teaching is superb. Thanks you for sharing.

I come from the city of Cantù in Italy where woodworking has been the main industry for many decades and some of the most famous furniture makers are. Do you know it? It the birthplace on Castello smoking pipes too. I remember the air of the town filled with table saws sounds and the smell of cut wood everywhere. It’s so nice to watch your video for me now that I am old and living in Australia.

Dude I love you. I understand essential tremor. That's probably why you are not a fine-detail artist (like painter or portrait) but you KICK ASS at woodworking and building. I saw you completely NAIL one of your pencil marks while compensating for the tremor! I LIVE THAT TOO every single day. Keep being awesome 👌

You've mentioned the tremor before, & talked a little about some of the less than polite things people have assumed about your shop habits as a result. This was the first time I saw it clearly. I do have some medical training, so this is a little biased, but how anyone could mistake that tremor for something non-neurologically caused is beyond me. But, some people have to find something to gripe about. Haters gonna hate, but you are awesome!

Your delivery is beautiful. No shouting or hyperventilating. Well structured and calm and, obviously, rehearsed. Makes me want to do some woodwork.

The guide block…very clever. I haven’t done many mortise and tenon joints, nice to learn about the guide block.

I'm now too old to fully follow the "how," but I hang on to the finish because can I still enjoy the "Wow!" You're a good teacher, Kid!

LOL - the deadpan humour at the end got me just right

I've seen that joint done many times, and done a few myself, but never thought about your approach with the slanted cuts. Always saw it with the holes drilled. Have to admit your technique here makes a lot of sense. Gonna do that in the future.

For those interested, Rockler has an amazing sale on the Fisch 16-piece Wave-Cutter Forstner bit set thru the end of September 2021. I doubt if you'll ever see them selling for this low again. My set arrived yesterday. 😀

Well done, James! That's a great tutorial. It should be in the Smithsonian.

My proudest moment as a beginner was doing a wedged tenon for a simple outdoor bench. I'm grateful for all the instruction

You make such amazing videos, all so clearly explained, the camera angles show everything, remarkable craftsmanship. That you continue to make them despite thinking you have to apologize for some physical condition that obviously does NOT affect your ability makes you a better person than me. Thanks for everything!

That guide for the chisel is a game changer. Never seen anyone do that before. Thanks.

I've been a metalwork fabricator for about 10 years now and Im just beginning to get into woodworking properly (for hobbyist purposes). My God what a can of worms I've opened! Im virtually having to unlearn everything I know about metal and re-learn for wood. For instance he mentions, sneaking up on the correct dimension and never go over. With metal working, its not a massive issue and can sometime work to your advantage. If your cutting a mitre frame for instance and you over cut the angles, with metal, not a problem, just fill the gaps with weld. But nooo such luxuries with woodworking! I feel this learning curve may well be a steep one! and Hopefully an enjoyable one!

I love how you explain things succinctly and clearly, without the verbal diarrhoea that too many RU-vidrs seem to suffer from! You're inspirational. Also, you had me in stitches with your closing comment! Well played, sir!

The wedged M&T is my favorite joint. Stumpy great job at showcasing it.

You are an amazing teacher sir. I honestly don't care what the video is about until the video is finished. Then i rewatch it to actual learn.

Fisch work and they work well. After watching one of James videos where he abuses a Fisch Forstner bit, I purchased one and was immediately amazed. Now I don't use any other Forstner bits. Definitely worth it and highly recommended!

Great video as always. I swear you're one of the best woodworkers on RU-vid at explaining and showing something so that people of all skill levels can understand. Much thanks! 👏👏

Thanks so much stumpy. I seem to learn something new with every video. I've always done a straight cut for my wedges so now I'll try the angle cut. Thanks mate.

I've only recently starting learning about woodworking, and I gotta say your videos are my favorite ones! You explain the entirety of an issue thoroughly and without fluff to lengthen the video. The amount of useful information you pack into these videos while keeping them extremely digestible make you my go-to for any topic here! Thank you!

I love your videos not only for the amazingly informative take you always have but also because they show that you can still produce beautiful and precise work even with your Essential Tremors. It's amazing to see how you don't let small things hold you back from doing (and excelling) at the things you love!

Excellent tips. I'm one of the guys that cut the saw cuts in the tenon straight. I will never do that again, thanks to you. I learn from every video I watch of yours. Thanks for sharing your expertise!

"almost as strong and good looking as I am" Brilliant. Thanks Stumpy

Thank you for another informative video! Been watching your videos for over a year now as I fumble along in my wood working hobby. I always enjoy your attitude and your dry wit. I never noticed that your hands shake in your videos. My best friends mom has essential tremors too. I'll share your channel with her husband and they'll enjoy your work too.

I've only just found the Stumpy Nubs channel, and I'm brand new to woodwork. This is by far one of the most accessible, explanatory and educational carpentry channels on the web. I love the care that's taken to explain EVERYTHING - not just how to, but why, what to watch out for, and other techniques. My interest is in creating furniture for Bonsai, so mostly outdoors, but this is now my go to channel for woodwork. The only downside I've found is that I have zero room (or budget) for machining/'milling tools (for the most part, I'm restricted to hand tools) and my only source of affordable wood is recycled (ie pallets) . But the channel is so rich with useful information I have actually found myself inventing projects to practice what is being taught. Thanks Stumpy Nubs. This is a brilliant channel

This is one of the most inspirational channels on youtube - thank you. After watching your content I believe could actually make these.

Another great video, James. Your clear explanation and demonstration has given me the confidence to give this joint a try. 👍🏻

“Almost as strong and good looking… as I am” - this got me sold. Subscribed

This is why I watch your vids. The bit about making the guide for the chisel and angled kerf cuts. That's the stuff you don't get anywhere else

James...yet another gold standard video and that wedges mortise and tenon is gorgeous. I agree with the other commenters in the comments section...by far the most lucid, logical and well explained tutorials on the tube! I can honestly say I have learned more watching your channel than any other and look forward to applying those learnings each time I get a chance if they are relevant to my situation. Phenomenal as always!

I just found your channel in Nov 2021 and I can't wait to go back through all your content. Thank you so much for making these videos and sharing your knowledge online

Doode... You are the business! Blessed that I have your extensive, focused and articulate knowledge at my fingertips. Long may you reign as king of RU-vid.

As my field of profession is kind of related (luthier), but I never had formal training, I find videos like this very useful. This one expecially is very well executed, every single step is perfectly explained and demonstrated without going overboard, and the level of product placement reduced to an essential minimum. Thank you sir, I do subscribe now!

Stumpy Nubs and Pask Makes are my favourites. Love you guys

Thank you. This is the best video on wedge tenon.

I love the way you use different FROM instead of the usual TO, or even worse THAN. Also “smarter people than I” You have been so well educated.. Besides, the video is informative as well as being a great presentation. I’ve never seen a description of this before either in a video or a book.

Thanks as always James.

The New Yankee Woodshop got me started in woodworking 30 years ago. I loved watching Norm Abrams and now I found you with a very similar and comfortable demeanor. Having just retired I now have more time to spend in my wood shop and I am. You’re great at explaining techniques and I’m going to put them to good use! Thank you!!!

You are such an effective teacher. Thank you for what you do

Loved every second of the video, but you earned a thumbs up with that last comment :D

My dad had essential tremors and was the only person that I knew that had it. Now you are the second. Dad had met one other person in his entire life and I remember how excited he was when he told everyone that he had found someone that he had this in common with. Keep up the great work.

Thank you for addressing the ET issue. The more we can educate the public, the better.

Never realized how much fun Woodworking could be! The knowledge that some people have in Woodworking is incredible! Thank you for all your videos!

A straight up, easy to understand tutorial. Thank you sir.

Excellent, really well explained. Saved this one so I can refer back it again. Thank you!

Great explanation and tons of details I never thought of. I've heard of the joint before, even seen them made, but what I had in my memory was more like a sketch of the idea and this is full shaded and colored. Thanks!

You’ve told us about your tremors before, but until this video I had never actually seen them. They do concern me, but more because I want you to be healthy and happy and teaching us good woodworking tips for a long time. I’m glad to hear that they don’t materially impact your ability to do the work you enjoy.

This is an incredible video -- not only is it information dense, but the information is arranged in such a way that each new point builds on the ones before it. There's no gaps, or leaps in logic or procedure. It flows well from one point to the next with clear examples. Not only that, but there's also a discussion of the problem before the solution is explained, so the viewer has a clear idea of what's going on and why these steps are being taken. A real feat of demonstration. I don't do any work with wood, but after watching this, I think I understand how to do this very well.

Superb, that's the best looking joint I've seen in a very long time, thank you James, for this video which will definitely be saved for my next joint. (Which will probably be the strongest joint I've ever done)

I have the shakes too. Drives me nuts. Brilliant work, thanks for the lesson!

I was mediocre at best at woodwork in school, but this is one of the most interesting videos I've seen for some time here. Great job

Fantastic, James! Thanks a lot for all the tips! 😃 And you're correct, it's a beautiful joint! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

I liked your analysis of the process when it comes to drilling the hole through the tenon to prevent the wood to crack. This makes sense to me and I think I will follow your thinking and do it the same way.

Sending gratitude from a Daoist monastery near Seattle! I’m doing all the traditional woodworking here, and have had to learn a lot from instruction online. Your channel has been wonderfully helpful during this part of the the learning curve! 👍🏻☯️🔨

i wish we had these videos in woodworking at our school .. They only showed us how .. not the why .. Thank you !

Thank you so much for sharing the info on the tremors. I have that same thing and some days are worse than others. I have to explain the same. But I've never known anyone else with essential tremors other than me, so again thank you for sharing that. I just recently have gotten into wood working and your videos are my go to, to learn what I need to know next.

Great video. You're an excellent teacher and I appreciate your taking time to do this for us.

One of the best woodworking teachers online, thank you!!

Extremely good teacher . Well done video. Thank you so much

Thank you. Your videos are brilliant!

Absolutely phenomenal video! Thank you!!

This is an INCREDIBLE tutorial.

So easy to understand, and lightly funny. Thank you.

Thanks so much James! I will come back to this video and rewatch next time I need to make one of these. I've used this joint twice and made a lot of mistakes that would have been remedied had I been able to watch this first.

u rock dude, i hadnt planned to comment but the ending was worth confirming to all that this vid does come across as quite strong, good looking and not too shabby with your delivery about wedges and how to make them. fine work!

I'm sorry people comment about your hands shaking, I've never noticed until you said something about it and watched so many of your videos. Thank you for making such quality tutorials, they help me so often and are really some of the best wood working content out there.

Great job teaching! I have never sloped the tenon cut. Will have to try. Folks might enjoy a video on hidden wedged mortise and tenon joint!

Another five star video. That’s a great looking joint that I’m going to use. Many thanks James.

Great info. You always do a fine job of transferring info. And anyone that makes the negative comments about shaky hands are just jerks.

This was a fantastic video. I am now subscribed. You clearly have a vast knowledge and I appreciate you making it available.

Beautiful work. Thank you.

Dude, your stuff is amazing. Who would've thought physics could be explained so easily it made sense.

Wow. Passerby always watching never commenting. Loved the video. All info, no fluff. 10/10 would watch again.

Just recently discovered your channel, and despite no woodworking experience nor any real need to start woodworking, I love the content and the way it's delivered. Knowledge is power, and my useless powers just keep getting bigger.

Hi! I loved the bench plans, after looking and looking almost every time I was on line... I decided to buy the plans as I will be modifying it;s length and adding a tool slot to drop tools into when I want tp use all the surface of the bench. Thanks for all the great advice the humor too! and of course... The Plans

SUPERB !!! Stumpy thanks

You sure explain things well. Thank you.

Great tutorial! Content like this is so needed on the net. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

You are a very excellent instructor and mentor. Thank you for sharing your passion and talents with all of us. I really appreciate how you present "all angles" of what you are teaching about. Please keep up the great work. Take care and have a good one, Adios! 🖐

Wonderful video. I truly learned something new today about woodworking that I did not expect when I started this video.

looks great, thank you for all the fantastic videos

Awesome video/joint! Thank you!

An absolutely gorgeous joint.

Now I really need to make a wedged tenon joint. Thanks for the great video

wow i was gonna comment on how sad your tremors made me, and how i can relate... and then you brought it up! Love

Very nice and complete explanation. I'm not an accomplished woodworker by any stretch, but seeing this joint explained from A to Z in a concise and clear way makes it far easier to attempt it myself. Thanks for a great video :)

One thing I've recently started doing when laying out mortice boundaries with a wheel-style marking gauge is to reference off of the opposite side of the work piece so that the gauge crosses the mortice. That way, the shape of the cutter is aligned such that the plumb side is the actual line that I want to cut to and the sloped side is in the waste. I find that I get cleaner lines this way.

Thank you. Good work!

Nice demonstration, thanks.

Very informative and useful. Thanks for posting.

so many youtube channels just like this one with guys displaying massive skill making things look easy, thanks for the video even though these videos make me feel stupid, my life took a different path with my own set of skills but i wish i could do this

love these videos! very well explained and demonstrated--I learn something every time I watch your channel and that's awesome.