Hi folks, I live in England, where (embarrassingly) advice on the skills of framing is pretty thin on the ground. Have started to replace an old shed with a small barn using traditional framing joints, and so far have been cutting mortices with a flat chisel, and even with finishing off with a customised chisel with its end bent upwards slightly, it only seems possible to get a depth of half the length of the slot..., dear doctor, is this normal?? I have noticed references to 'automated' morticers, both hand powered and mechanical, but really want to know if anyone here can tell me about pre mechanical methods and knacks to get down that all-important extra half inch ???
Many thanks, Richard T.
PS: I notice that you seem to use round, turned pegs in the States...am I right? All the English framed buildings I've ever seen have sqaure 'uns...