Making Frame Joints

Domino tenons can be used to quickly fabricate reinforced frames of all types.

Butt Joint Frames

When making butt joint frames, such as cabinet faceframes, use pencil lines to lay out the position of the tenons. Use the sight glass (see page 21 for more information) on the joiner’s fence to position the joiner over the pencil line.

For narrow frame stock, the optional narrow frame fence can be used to securely hold the workpiece (shown below).

Mitered Frames

When making mitered frames, position the tenon closer to the inside corner. This reduces the likelihood of cutting the mortise all the way through the workpiece.

Make sure to securely clamp the workpiece to the bench when mortising a mitered joint.

Cope and Stick (Stile and Rail) Frames

Domino tenons can also be used to strengthen cope and stick frame construction too (bottom right picture). This is typically found in raised panel door frames.

It is important to note that the two frame pieces overlap, so the depth of the mortise needs to be extended. The amount that each mortise needs to be extended is one-half the amount of overlap.

Example: A typical stile and rail router bit set has a profile width (overlap) of 3/8-inch (about 10mm). For a 40mm long tenon, instead of plunging 20mm deep, you should increase this to 25mm for both workpieces.

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Domino DF 500 Tenon Joiner

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Festool PI574332, DF 500 Making Frame Joints, Butt Joint Frames, Mitered Frames, Cope and Stick Stile and Rail Frames