Drilling the mortises
You can cut the mortises in the posts by hand with a chisel and mallet, or use a router fitted with a mortising bit. But considering the depth of the mortises—1% inches—a hollow chisel mortiser, like the one shown at right or a drill press with a mortising attachment, will do the job most quickly and accurately. Set up the machine following the manufacturer's directions. For the mortiser shown, install a 3/8-inch bit and place one of the posts on the table, centering a mortise outline under the cutter. Butt the fence against the stock and adjust the hold-down to secure the post while still allowing you to slide the workpiece freely along the fence. Make a cut at each end of the outline, then a series of staggered cuts in between (right) to complete the mortise.
Footboard
- Mortise length marks
Footboard
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