I'm working on a project where I need to create breadboard ends for a table top, and I've noticed that many designs feature three large tenons, with a smaller tenon in the gaps between them. What's the reasoning behind this design instead of just making one long continuous tenon? My idea is to cut a single tenon and secure it in the middle, allowing for slotted holes on the sides. Would this lead to issues like splitting or more friction?
1 Answer
Using multiple tenons instead of one long one helps accommodate the seasonal movement of the wood. If you have a single pinned tenon, it can create a lot of friction as the wood expands and contracts, increasing the risk of splitting. Smaller tenons allow the wood to move more freely and reduce stress at the joints.
So if I opt for that continuous tenon, just pinning it in the center and allowing space for movement, wouldn't that still end up causing problems? I'm worried that the friction with just one big tenon would be worse than using several.