Basic woodworking question

CharminTide

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Oct 23, 2005
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Now that I have a garage for the first time since childhood, I'm looking to build a workbench. I've always enjoyed small woodworking projects, but I haven't had the space to explore that hobby much until now.

I've decided to build this one (LINK), which seems fairly easy to assemble and has a helpful walkthrough for beginners. One part of the guide doesn't seem well-explained, though. Or I'm just dumb (more likely).

He connects the beams using bolt bed mortises, and he recommends squaring off the mortise to better secure the nut. He doesn't really explain how he does this. I can think of a few half-cocked approaches, but none of those seem optimal. There has to be a "correct" way to do this. I'm sure it's a very basic answer -- anyone know?

 

tidefanbeezer

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Sep 25, 2006
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Hammer and chisel. Make a scoring cut on the lines you want to square up. That will sever the fibers and help you keep things clean and square. Take small shavings and slowly work your way back to the line.

This is a pretty good example.

 

CharminTide

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Oct 23, 2005
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Hammer and chisel. Make a scoring cut on the lines you want to square up. That will sever the fibers and help you keep things clean and square. Take small shavings and slowly work your way back to the line.
Thank you! I suppose the guide does say to use a chisel, but I've never seen this technique, so I wasn't sure how. Thanks again.
 

mrusso

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Apr 17, 2006
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See, now you're making me want to buy more tools. ;)
Isn't that the point of woodworking? Question...how many folks build more stuff for their shop (i.e. tables, jigs, tool storage cabinets, etc) than stuff not for the shop?
 

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