Among woodworking joints, the Mortise and Tenon is one the strongest (and in some circumstances, one of the most attractive) joints in fine furniture building. When the woodworking plans call for only a couple of mortises to be cut, the builder would likely choose to fashion the joints with a power drill and a sharp bevel-edged chisel.

However, if the woodworking plans call for a number of mortises, the woodworker would easily tire of cutting them in this traditional manner. A more modern (and quicker) option would be to utilize a dedicated hollow-chisel mortiser. This power tool is not much more than a specialized drill press that is equipped with a drill bit inside of a square chisel.

In this article, learn how to use a Hollow-Chisel Mortiser, plus find what features you should consider when looking to purchase one.

Photo Courtesy of Jet Tools

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In order to use large router bits safely (plus to achieve the best results), you would be wise to adjust the speed on your router appropriately.

But how do you know the proper speed to set for each and every router bit? Is there a speed listing on the shank of the bit or on the packaging when you buy the bit?

Well, there is a rather basic rule, but it goes a bit deeper than just the general guidelines. Learn how to choose the proper speed for your different router bits in How to Determine Proper Router Bit Speeds. You'll work safer and achieve better results on your woodworking projects when you use the proper motor speeds with your router bits.

(c) 2012 Chris Baylor, licensed to About.com Inc.

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Looking to build a short bookcase to fit under a window? Download this set of free woodworking plans and build a two-shelf bookcase that measures 48-inches wide, 29-inches tall and 12-inches deep, one that is typically made from either pine or oak, but really can be build out of any desired hardwood plywood.

These Free Bookcase Plans are listed as requiring a moderate ability level, but anyone with basic woodworking skills and the appropriate tools can successfully complete this project. It is a fun one to build, and is not only very useful, but it should be a piece that you'll be happy to display in your home or office. The plans can easily be modified to make a full-height bookcase without much additional effort.

(c) 2012 Chris Baylor, licensed to About.com Inc.

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One skill that nearly every fine woodworker should have is knowledge of the basics of making dovetail drawers. Not only are dovetail drawers very attractive and strong, but they really aren't all that difficult to build. Whether machined or made by hand, when made using the proper principles, dovetail drawers will last for a very long time.

Learn the steps to machining beautiful and strong dovetail drawers in The Basics of Dovetail Drawer Making. Once you've mastered the steps, you'll want to build dovetail drawers into every one of your furniture and cabinetry projects.

(c) 2012 Chris Baylor, licensed to About.com Inc.

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