This framed mirror is made with pinned mortise and tenon. Measures 3/4" x 17" x 23"

If  you like mission style furniture and accessories, this framed mirror may be a project for  you.

This framed mirror was built using the pinned mortise and tenon method. A solid joint that is strong  yet pleasant looking and having the rails slightly thinner than the stiles gives this frame a little more dimension.

Making the rails 1/16″ thinner than the stiles creates a challenge,  how do you make the mortise and tenon with a 1/16″  offset.

Here’s how I did it without using an offset  mortise and tenon.

Making a tenon that is centered is the easiest method. By removing the same amount of wood from each face of the board leaves  the tenon centered. But in this case the tenon would be offset 1/16″  because of the difference in the thickness of the rails and stiles.

To keep the back of the frame flush and avoid having to offset either the mortise or tenon, I cut the mortise and tenon on both pieces when they are 3/4″ thick. After I have them properly fitted ,I plane the rails down by 1/16″ on the face only. This gives me the offset on the front of the frame and leaves the back  flush. I do all of your sanding before assembly.

After the frame has been glued together and the back  rabbeted for the mirror, I cut the holes for the pins using a hollow chisel mortiser. A little glue on the pins before they are tapped into place and the frame is ready for finish.

The  finish is Watco Danish Oil, Black Walnut with a light coat of Lacquer.

Keith