When last we visited, our intrepid woodworker was getting ready to glue up the end piece assembly on our porch rocker. The stiles, cross brace and arm rest were ready to be assembled and attached to the rocker base.
In the course of construction Jack decided to turn the tenons into wedge tenons. This involves making small wedges of contrasting wood that are forced into the tenons as they’re glued in place. It expands the tenons just the smallest amount, seating them more securely in the mortise and also eliminating any slight size variance between the mortise and tenon. It’s an attractive detail that draws attention to the tenon construction.
So that the wedges won’t split the tenons when they’re driven in place, slots are pre cut in the tenons with a small hole at the end of the slot. This radiates the pressure more evenly so the tenon doesn’t crack as the wedge is forced into place.
The finished white oak wedge in the mahogany tenon will be even more noticeable once the final finish is applied.
Glue up is always a race against the clock. The glue has a limited “open time” so once the process starts, it has to be finished posthaste. The glue must be applied evenly but not too heavily, spill ups cleaned, tenons inserted, clamps tightened down and angles checked — all before that 15 or 20 minute window closes. The reddish color on the pieces here is from wiping up spills.
One of the end pieces in its final state. The open mortises are for attaching the stretchers that will support the seat assembly and (duh) connect the two ends.
Tour de Fleece
This is supposed to be a day of rest for TDF but I’ll do a little spinning tonight since it’s time to start a new fiber and I’m eager to try the CVM roving. Hopefully I’ll have pictures tomorrow of the completed coopworth/silk skein all knitted up.
The biggest PITA right now is plying off the shoebox lazy kate with the untensioned TP rolls. I’m thinking it’s time to improvise better bobbins since real bobbins and a spinning wheel are still in the distant future. And after this morning’s trip to the dentist with a cracked tooth the wheel probably just rolled right off the edge of the horizon. (Have I mentioned how much I hate dentists? No? Don’t get me started.)
I have a feeling you have absorbed knowledge of woodworking the same way I have absorbed a knowledge of auto mechanics. Do our mates absorb a knowledge of knitting (or gardening or cooking) the same way?
That rocker will be an heirloom. But you already know that.
Your Jack is fabulous!
Where’s the box when you’re plying? I’ve had good luck with having the box next to me on a tabletop vs on the floor. Less time for the singles to get themselves into trouble, I think.
(Psst! Woodworker Husband + Wheel Plans = Spinning Wheel. He has to finish that rocker sometime…)
Texas likes your woodworking reports.
I had to get him to stop moving for a minute to read it. 
Dad at his best (and keeping him out of your hair
. The girls were playing with the Barbie house just this morning. The rocker will be priceless when finished!