What Is A Hammer-Headed Tenon?
What Is A Hammer-Headed Tenon?
Hammer-headed tenon joints are one method for joining curved members of joinery components.
The hammer-headed tenon joins a curved member to a straight member, such as a curved head member to a jamb.
The mortise to receive the tenon is formed on the curved member, and the tenon is formed on the jamb. The mortise is increased in size to receive a pair of folding wedges on each side of the tenon.
What Is A Hammer-Headed Tenon?
Hammerhead tenons are wooden joinery pieces that, when connected to an arm or leg assembly, enable a robust and durable joint that is not likely to come apart.
The correct proportions for hammerhead tenons depend on the wood being used and the dimensions of the arm or leg assembly being joined. Generally speaking, the tenon should be half as wide as the arm or leg assembly is thick and two-thirds as long as it is wide.
Additionally, its depth should be two-thirds as long as its width so that it locks securely into place. Finally, the shoulders of the tenon should be chamfered at an angle of 45 degrees to provide a greater surface area in which glue can bond with both parts.
What Hammer-Headed Key?
The hammer-headed key is a joinery technique that connects two pieces of curved cut timber, which cannot form a strong tenon in a straight member. It requires the joiner to create two mortise sockets and then shape a separate tenon piece – called the key – to fit each socket.
The ends of the key are increased in size to allow for the folding wedges on either side, which give the joint its cramping effect that tightens the shoulder as it is glued together.
Although these joints can be made using machines and power tools, a skilled joiner requires great attention to detail to produce an accurate and strong result.
