This project was built and designed by Nick Starrett. It highlights the use of traditional joinery to add breadboard ends to a bench using the drawbored mortise and tenon method.
Breadboard ends not only improve the look of a piece but also help prevent seasonal wood movement from warping the top. They’re a great solution for tabletops or benches where flatness and stability matter over time.
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What Are Breadboard Ends?
A breadboard end is a board attached across the end grain of a tabletop or bench. It helps maintain a flat surface by limiting how much the wood can cup or warp with seasonal changes.
This kind of end cap also adds a refined appearance to the project. It’s commonly used in larger furniture pieces to keep them both functional and visually appealing.
Why Use the Drawbore Mortise and Tenon Method?
The drawbore mortise and tenon is a classic woodworking joint. It creates a strong mechanical connection without relying on glue across the entire width, which is important for managing wood movement.
The technique involves offsetting a pin hole slightly so that when the pin is inserted, it pulls the tenon tight into the mortise. This creates a durable and lasting connection while still allowing expansion.
Preparing the Bench for Tenons
Nick begins by using a plunge router with a spiral upcut bit to cut the tenon shoulders. A guide board clamped to the surface helps keep the router path straight and repeatable.
Once the top side is complete, the bench is flipped and the same process is repeated underneath. This ensures that the tenon thickness remains consistent along both faces of the bench.
Laying Out and Cutting the Tenons
With the shoulder cuts made, the next step is to mark out the locations for the tenons. Nick chooses a three-tenon layout with one centered and two toward the ends.
He cuts them out with a jigsaw, leaving material at the tips of each tenon to prevent chipping during later drilling. Afterward, he smooths the edges for a clean fit during assembly.
Creating Mortises in the Breadboard
The breadboard end is laid out to match the tenon locations exactly. Using the same plunge router and an edge guide, Nick cuts mortises into the breadboard that align with each tenon.
Each mortise is made to fit snugly for strength while still allowing for proper movement. Accurate layout and clean cuts are essential for this part of the build.
Setting Up for Drawbore Pins
Once the mortises are complete, Nick marks the pin locations through the breadboard and into the tenons. He then removes the breadboard and drills slightly offset holes through the tenons.
This offset creates the drawbore effect, pulling the parts tight once the pins are driven in. The outer mortises are also elongated slightly to allow for wood movement.
Attaching the Breadboard Ends
Glue is applied only to the center tenon, leaving the outer tenons dry to allow for seasonal movement. The breadboard is then reinstalled, and the pins are tapped through the offset holes.
Clamps are used to hold everything tight as the pins pull the joint together. This results in a secure and clean-fitting connection between the breadboard and the bench.
Final Cleanup and Finishing
Once the glue is dry, the pins are trimmed flush and the joint is sanded smooth. The result is a clean, finished edge that looks great and stays tight over time.
This method works well for benches, tables, and other wide-panel projects where stability is important. It’s a reliable and time-tested approach that adds both structure and visual detail.
See the Full Project in Action
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