3 Chisel Mortise Method | Paul Sellers

Sometimes, we avoid simple joinery because we believe it cannot be done well, and efficiently by hand. This mortise, 4" long and 1 1/2" deep by half an inch, took me around seven minutes.

In any hardwood, oak, for instance, it might take a minute longer, but no more. I did this video to show a technique using my mortise guide and a strategic way using three standard chisels and a method.

I am making a bed with eight mortise and tenon joints, and the mortise I chopped here is one of them.

Enjoy real woodworking with me; it doesn't always need to be called work!

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[pdel]

Thank you, Paul. I made a piece of furniture recently - 26 mortise and tenon joints, all made using the methods I learned from you. And every one is a straight, square, snug fit. What a joy. Thank you!

[wallingj]

No matter how many times I watch you use this method it's always a joy to see!

[toysoldier]

So that's how you keep from blowing out the sides of a mortise when chopping, thank you Paul, always a pleasure :)

[bill]

A machine did do it! Paul is a machine!

[freakazoid]

The guide is a great idea. Even if you own a mortiser you can use it to trim the sides since they usually don’t get very beautiful with the mortiser. Just use a slightly smaller bit than the mortise you need and then take off the extra millimetre with the guide and a chisel. Fast AND a nice result. :)

[chippysteve]

I agree - it's good for the brain when people realise that there's more than one way to skin a cat.
I love that mortice guide too - it helps people see that they don't need to be suckered in to buying things they don't need when you can often just use the tools you were born with (your brain and imagination) instead and feel the satisfaction of overcoming challenges instead of buyer's remorse from being conned by businessmen!

[norm]

Paul, thank you for sharing this with us. Just great method. Everyone stay safe, warm, happy and healthy. From Henrico County Virginia

[arkadiuszturek]

Thank you for putting there dimensions in both metric and imperial units :D

[christopherharrison]

Fabulous methodology I use only your method for the last few years, works like a dream.

[christophercastor]

Wow. An Absolute thing of beauty your mortise chopping technique is. Thank you.
-Castor

[MikelNaUsaCom]

it looks difficult, but is quite doable with a bit of practice. Definitely worth having chisels in the toolbox.

[MCsCreations]

Truly amazing! Thank you, Paul! 😃
Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[skeeterd]

Paul I was just perusing some old fine woodworking mags from 2007-9. It was such a good surprise seeing your letter to editor in the front of one.

[andrewmillwardwatford]

This is very similar to the techniques used by the Japanese carpenters. But it's really good to see these techniques developed

[bradleytuckwell]

Great method and brilliant idea to make a jig like that

[green_building]

i will use this method.. Thanks Mr Paul 🙏🇮🇩

[RGRGJKK]

Pura vida Don Paul su técnica y guía para las mortajas se ve muy efectiva y práctica .pura vida for sharing with us

[andyc]

Thanks Paul, watched and stored away for future use !

[mruwejk]

Thanks Paul for another amazing video. I’ll be using this method on my next build. Have a good day. Thank you.

[designsanddimentions]

This video will make many turn to hand tools mortising. Great inventive way to make a mortise.❤️👍