The beadLOCK tenon stock comes in 12" lengths. The instructions say to cut tenons 1/8th" shorter than combined depths...to allow for glue and the rounded shape of the drill bit.

   Then I applied yellow (PVA) glue to both surfaces and assembled the pieces. Clamp in the usual way.

   After clamping, I have as strong and straight a joint as I could want. Final sanding will remove the witness mark.

     To get an even stronger joint, I tried a polyurethane glue on the tenon. At the right, I brushed water lightly in the mortise. This adhesive swells slightly in curing and according to my sources, in a tight joint like this, the glue will expand into the pores of the wood making an even stronger joint. I tried to get either joint to break and I couldn't. I realize that isn't very scientific an approach, but I think both adhesives will give a very strong joint and suggest you use what you prefer. The polyurethane is waterproof and should be used when that is a requirement.

    Well I purposely made a door frame using cope and stile bits. I wanted to see how the beadLOCK would do with these shaped pieces. It did fine and centered on the 3/4" stock. Unfortunately, the film is still in the camera. I will show this series next time.

   The kit includes shims so that you can offset the tenon such as you might for a table apron which could be set back from the leg.

   My final word: the The beadLOCK Loose Tenon Joinery System is an inexpensive device that can be a useful accessory to many woodworking shops. Certainly it will have a place in my shop.

The beadLOCK Loose Tenon Joinery System is available from Woodcraft stores and mail order. If you do not have their catalog, you should get one. It is a great source of great woodworking tools and supplies.

I used the 3/8" tenon kit (Part Number 140358 - $29.99.) This kit comes with the jig and tenon stock. There is also a kit that has both 3/8" and 1/2" jigs (PN 140355 - $46.99.)

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