Joinery Methods

[Rich]

What methods do people use for mortise and tenons. Personally I've used drills (3/4" auger) and chisels, circular saws (this is for timber framing), table saw and mortise machine (for furniture). Any techniques that you use for layout and or tricks to make it easier would also be interesting.

[ITE]

you've mentioned most of the procedures yourself. I have found that a table saw set up with a dado blade will make quick work of the tenon. I have sometimes used a dowel jig to keep the holes especially straight when drilling holes for the mortise. Just remember that its good practice to keep the cross section of the tenon no less than 1/2 the thickness of the stock and the length of the tenon at least 2 1/2 times its thickness for adequite strength. My personal favorite is a table saw and a mortiser. sometimes a round tenon is made which appears to be a dowel in the end. If you look closely though you can see that the round end is actually part of the piece. these can be filed into shape or may be made with the use of a plug cutter or chucking machine.

[Rich]

Welcome to the forum ITE.
I've seen people use a bow saw for tenons also - I've never been able to master it though. Been thinking of getting a tenon jig for my tablesaw but for $90 I think I'll stick with my dado blade (which also cost $90).
I have a 3/4hp Fox Shop mortising machine which makes quick work of most any mortise except for large timbers.