The 6 Best Tenon Cutters

This wiki has been updated 19 times since it was first published in July of 2019. Tenon cutters enable woodworkers to make beautiful, rustic log furniture, and are also handy for making tough wooden joints for structural purposes. With the right model, your rails and spindles will benefit and you will finish projects faster. Our selections were made based on features such as durability, cutting quality, and affordability. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

1. Veritas 860-5210

The Veritas 860-5210 (about $97) can be run using an electric drill or any other rotary tool with an adjustable chuck. The body is constructed from anodized aluminum and has been precision balanced to minimize vibrations, which produces cleaner results.

Cuts up to 2-and-3-quarter-inch pegs
Blades are adjustable
Great for making wheel spokes

2. Lumberjack Tools HSBK1

The Lumberjack Tools HSBK1 (around $77) comes as a complete set that can be used to create both the pegs and the mortises required for a strong joint. The bevel on the carbon steel blades creates a radius shoulder that will seat nicely in the hole.

Double powder-coated finish
Shanks can be replaced
Includes a wrench for adjustments

3. Timber Tuff TMC-01TCFB

The Timber Tuff TMC-01TCFB (about $60) can cut up to 1-inch diameter pegs and comes with a corresponding Forstner bit that you can use to cut the exact size of hole you need. The angled blades help minimize chatter than can result in tear-out.

Built-in scale helps guide user
One-year warranty
Great for making spoked chairs

4. Grizzly Industrial H7693

The Grizzly Industrial H7693 (about $71) is ideal when you need to create extra-long pegs for furniture rails. The set comes in a nice wooden box, and each tool features a stout half-inch shank, which should ensure that they last a lifetime.

Can also be used to make plugs
Work fine on hardwoods
Not easily sharpened

5. Platte River 109916

The Platte River 109916 (appx. $55) can be used effectively for projects where only shallow pegs are needed and none of the joint will be visible. While the finished wood surface will be quite rough, the four blade edges won't leave any scorch marks.

Can be resharpened
Made in the usa
Not for structural joints

6. CMT 529.254.31

The CMT 529.254.31 (around $33) is made of tough alloy steel and can create high-quality plugs in addition to shaving dowels down. It should be noted that you can't use it on a drill press and the 5/8-inch shaft can be hard to match to a handheld drill.

Good edge retention
Lifetime warranty
Must be run at below 500 rpm

Last updated by Christopher Thomas

Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.

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