Bread board tenon ?

On a table I did last year I made the tenon the whole width minus ~1” on each end. I left 1/4” on each end in the mortise to allow for expansion. The only part of the tenon that is glued is the center. I left it long enough to go through the breadboard end and wedged it with a contrasting wood to add a little visual interest. I get around 1/16” of growthon each edge as the seasons change. So far it is holding up. I have done them in the past in similar construction without the through tenon. Used slotted holes in the tenon with dowels secured from underneath just shy of the top surface. This was something I believe I learned from Norm. Those have held up for better than 15 years.

On a table I did last year I made the tenon the whole width minus ~1” on each end. I left 1/4” on each end in the mortise to allow for expansion. The only part of the tenon that is glued is the center. I left it long enough to go through the breadboard end and wedged it with a contrasting wood to add a little visual interest. I get around 1/16” of growthon each edge as the seasons change. So far it is holding up. I have done them in the past in similar construction without the through tenon. Used slotted holes in the tenon with dowels secured from underneath just shy of the top surface. This was something I believe I learned from Norm. Those have held up for better than 15 years.

I can understand how the center tenon is glued & wedged. What did you do with the outboard tenons? Are the wedged – does it allow for movement? Thanks – I really like the center coming all the way thru.

- gtrgeo

-- Develop your character -- for it becomes your destiny. Jerry - Mannford, Ok

Jerry, It is one continuous tenon cut back in length where it does not go through the breadboard end. I glued at the center where it goes through and the rest is floating in a continuous mortise.

George

Jerry – I was wondering the same thing when I was making a desk with breadboard ends. There are a number of articles out there on breadboard end. This might help – Breadboard ends - Woodcraft

Search “tenons for long breadboard ends” if you want to read more articles.

-- Earl "I'm a pessamist - generally that increases the chance that things will turn out better than expected"

One other thing I forgot to mention. You will want to create a slight cup in your breadboard end on the side which will face inward. This way the ends always stay tight to the shoulder on your table tenon. I found it easier to create this cup with hand planes prior to cutting the mortise.

Here’s a bit of a guideline…

You can adjust dimensions to fit the size of your table. I’d probably use 3 long tenons as in the picture and make them all about 1/2” thick.

Edit: I just realized that Earl’s link went to the same image! oh well…

-- Steve - Impatience is Expensive

Thanks to all for taking the time to help – I appreciate it.

-- Develop your character -- for it becomes your destiny. Jerry - Mannford, Ok