Tenon Cutter Advice Sought

[Artisan]

So I need to build a corral for a very small animal and we have pretty
much decided to do it w/ 3" Diameter wood poles, perhaps from
HomeDepot. I am wondering if anyone can enlighten me as to what is the
best tenon cutter to buy and should I go 2" or 1.5" diameter of the tenon.
The tenon diameter will dictate the diameter of my posts I do believe.

Anyone have any experience to share ? What is a good cutter and what to avoid? I have to buy one and woudl hate to buy a tool that blows.

 

[BHD]

I would get one that the blade is easely sharpen

 

[Artisan]

I would get one that the blade is easely sharpen

I noticed that too... Thanx for the input!

 

[BHD]

note I do not have one so I do not know,

there seems to be two basic types the drill powered units, and there is a unit that uses a router that is mounted and then a guide is used to make the tendon by feeding the post in and rotating it, I have seen a small version of the router unit when used for a threading machine, I do not know what would be best,

would the drill units need a pipe vice type holder to keep the post from spinning I do not know, I am guessing your thinking of 2" or larger tendons most likely 3"
keep us informed on the process, would some what consider a similar fence to what your thinking

what do think the savings would be over just buying a fence system, that uses the tendons in the post pockets, in split rail fencing?

 

[Rockie]

Do you own a table saw and a dado blade? I built a jig that attaches to my table saw with which I've cut tenons on posts as large as 6".

 

[Artisan]

BHD I saw that router model. Nope, looks hokie to me. The ones that use
a big drill look much better and the ones that have double FLAT blades
that would be easier to sharpen look even better. I believe those are
the 60* model and NOT the radius models. there are 90* models as well.
Sure you can buy already tenoned, BUT, when you need a special you need
to make it yourself.

I will buy my own nondrilled posts and make my own everything so i can
have it my way.

I do not want to deal w/ a table saw, the drill kind look FAST.

I am looking fo rthe best deal on a 2", Double Flat Bladed cutter.
i will go w/ 3" Home Depot 8' long double poles. OH DARN IT!
I wrote Home Depot 2 weeks ago and asked for a measurement on their
tenons and no reply! I HAVE TO KNOW THIS BEFORE I BUY! I am so ooooo
glad I wrote this!

 

[sparc]

How about this make?

Whichever one you choose I would think a dual balde design would be easier on the user than a single blade since the cutting forces would oppose each other.

Welcome to log tenon cutters. TTG Log Tenon Cutters cuts a 60 degree shoulder tenon. CNC machined tool is made to exacting standards to assist you in building beautiful log furniture and railings.


Don't know anyting about this company just fround them doing a search.

 

[Artisan]

Thanx for the input, indeed I have that sight bookmarked and
twin blades do look like the way to go.

 

[woodsmith]

Generally the size of the tenon should be based on the mortice being around 1/2 of the width of the pole it is going into. A 3" pole would have a 1 1/2" mortice and a matching 1 1/2" tenon in a pole of 2" or more.

If you want to put a 2" tenon on your 3" pole then you would need a corresponding 4"pole with a 2" mortice.

If the mortice is significantly more then 1/2 the width of the pole it is in then there would be weakness around the mortice.
This applies to square section poles but with round section poles you may want the mortice to come down to 1/3 the diameter of the pole.

 

[Artisan]

Ah HA! OK...that helps much . Thank You woodsmith.

The state of Calif Dept of Fish and Game gave me a permit allowing
me to possess a Desert Tortoise. She roamed into my backyard covered
in motor oil, spray painted, holes drilled in her shell on the edge for a rope
and a tele number carved into her and emaciated.

We decided the owners were abusive and did not
deserve her and contacted the right folks, she LOVES us.
She will probably out live us.

So my idea for her pen is a 3" round rails maybe 3 high and
anti-dig whatnots at the bottom.