"Leon" wrote in message
news

"MikeWhy" wrote in message
...
"Swingman" wrote in message
...
MikeWhy wrote:

Loose tenons in turn are slightly, but consistently and measurably
weaker than real tenons.

In all published tests I've seen there is usually less than 1%
difference in measured strength between the two, which, and depending
upon the project, makes for a favorable comparison when taking into
account other factors like convenience and speed, particularly when
doing "production runs" in a small shop setting.

The specific reference was to the recent FWW article, apparently not on
your reading list. That's almost ironic, thinking back to our past
conversations. Come to think of it, I don't particularly recall *where* I
read it. The test featured dovetails, M&T, biscuits, and loose tenons.
I'm pretty sure it was FWW, probably December or January.

Repeatable 1% variation even between two joints of the same type would be
something to really crow about. If you can find a credible cite for 1%
variability from M&T to loose tenon, I'll eat this keyboard I'm typing
this on, every last sharp, broken shard of it, including the lead
contents of its electronics. You wouldn't by chance care to restate what
you wrote? I'm sure I read it wrong.

Think about it, loose tennons are typically made out of a straight grain
hard wood. The tennon sculpted from the end of the typical board very
very often has been done with less than desirable grain orientation. The
loose tennon is glued inside "both" pieces, not just the in the one piece
so regardless of the type wood you are using you get a more consistent
strength tennon.

FWIW, the author also expressed surprise. I was more interested in the
dovetail tests.