Through Tenon and Mortise

My design calls for 20 visible wedged through tenons.  Here, the mortise hole is tested for size with a sample cedar block tenon sitting inside.

Mortise

Cutting a square hole with a round router

Fence Pickets

The arbor is made of Western Red Cedar fence pickets.  These are extremely light weight, yet look rustic.  The 1x6 picket fits into the jig allowing for more precise cuts.  The hinges makes it quick and easy to remove and add the next piece.  The Craftsman Router belonged to Christopher's other grandfather.

Jig

My design calls for 40 mortise holes.  To accurately cut that many, I built this jig.  The silver hinge clamps belong to thetinyhorse.  He used them to hand-screen the invitations to the wedding.

Work Surface

This 9' workbench belonged to Christopher's grandfather.  It will be perfect for building the 8' sections of the arbor.

Christopher and Maddison have requested...

... a wedding arbor for their lakeside wedding in July.  It needs to look rustic, have character, be easy to transport, and quick to set up.  It's a challenge I'm ready for!