Old way for frame and panel construction

A traditional method for frame-and-panel construction involves assembling frames using mortise and tenon joints and inserting panels into grooves cut along the perimeter. Success heavily depends on accurate layout and careful adherence to each stage of the process.

To cut the grooves, we choose a plough plane blade that matches the width of the chisel used for the mortises and is appropriate for the panel thickness (1)."

The tenons will be cut on the rails, and consequently, the mortises will be positioned on the stiles. First, establish the length of the stiles and cut them, leaving a few inches at both ends. These spaces (horns) will be useful for safely working during the mortise cutting and will help avoid splitting issues (2).

Use the rails to mark their positions on the stiles, dividing the space according to the scheme shown in the picture (3).

Layout the tenons on the rails using a mortise gauge (4): the distance between their shoulders, plus the width of the stiles, must correspond to the final door width. Use the same mortise gauge to trace the mortises on the stiles.

Cut the mortises and tenon cheeks first (but not the shoulders yet) (5-6), and cut the grooves on the stiles and rails (7-8).

Cut the tenon shoulders and create the haunch (9), with the height of this element equal to the groove depth.

Dry assemble the joints to check fit, then glue them up. Once the glue has dried, cut the horns and insert the door into place (in this case, a frame has been added).