Frequently Asked QuestionsE-Z Log Tools
Are the morise bits included?
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No. There are simply too many sizes and brands to keep in stock. You will have to decide for yourself if you want to use the less expensive flat spade drill bits, or invest in a higher quality, and more expensive forstner bit.
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Flat Spade Type Bit
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Forstner Bit - Click Photo
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What is the maximum diameter log I can use with the E-Z Log Tenon Cutters?
You can easily cut a tenon at the end of a log that is up to 4 -1/2" diameter. If there is a branch knot in the log, or the log is slightly larger than 4.5" diameter, you can use a draw knife, planer, or saw to trim the edge so that the E-Z Log Cutter can fit.
How long do the blades last?
That will depend on a couple of things. Green wood is normally softer than dry wood and the blades will stay sharp for quite a while. Dry hard woods like tamarack, oak, etc., will dull the cutting blade quicker than soft wood. Remember that the cutting blades are made from hardened steel, and are double-sided. When one side of the blade gets a little dull, simply remove it, flip it over to the sharp side, and tighten it back down with the hex key. Sharpening the blades is not recommended since they made from hardened steel, and the mounting holds are very close to the edge. Replacement blades are available here, with volume discounts applied in the shopping cart if more than one is ordered. Also, since these are steel blades, before long term storage we recommend that you remove any tree sap and wood savings. Then add a few drops of oil to the blade to avoid rust.
Log Woofer says I stole his idea.
First of all, Rustic Woodworking is simply a reseller of these tools. I buy them direct from the manufacturer, and sell them on my website. The E -Z Log Tenon Cutter is a simple tool. Made to do one job. Cut tenons at the ends of branches. Woofer never patented their design. We took that simple design and improved it. We are also created the only 90-Degree cutter available, as far as I know. Even square wood workers can use it to make a round tenon.
Where can I find some logs?
This wouldn't have been possible a few years ago, but I have had great luck on reading Craig's List and posting ads. The last bunch of logs I harvested was from a person who needed trees removed from their yard. You'll need a chain saw and a way to haul logs without tearing up their lawn. Before that I needed some birch poles for another project, posted a WANTED AD on Craig's List, and a guy up north was laid off and was willing to provide the logs I needed.
I have researched some of the State and County DNR websites. They will allow you to go into public lands to harvest a whole lot of stuff. Like me, most people don't want to deal with that government bullshit. Check your state and county websites to see what you have to do to go in to get fallen wood. You pay taxes. Go for it.
If you live in a state that has a lot of logging operations, get to know a truck driver, logger, or the company owner. When it is time to cut the timber, they go in and do their thing. They leave a lot of branches on the ground, although they may be chewed up from the machines. Call to find out if they will give you access to retrieve what is left. They will almost always have other local resource available.
Landscapers! It kills me to see what they haul to the landfill. Call them. Work with them. They're not going to pile it up for you, but maybe you can offer your assistance, or persuasion.
Christmas. Offer to take away old Christmas trees.
I have researched some of the State and County DNR websites. They will allow you to go into public lands to harvest a whole lot of stuff. Like me, most people don't want to deal with that government bullshit. Check your state and county websites to see what you have to do to go in to get fallen wood. You pay taxes. Go for it.
If you live in a state that has a lot of logging operations, get to know a truck driver, logger, or the company owner. When it is time to cut the timber, they go in and do their thing. They leave a lot of branches on the ground, although they may be chewed up from the machines. Call to find out if they will give you access to retrieve what is left. They will almost always have other local resource available.
Landscapers! It kills me to see what they haul to the landfill. Call them. Work with them. They're not going to pile it up for you, but maybe you can offer your assistance, or persuasion.
Christmas. Offer to take away old Christmas trees.
What kind of logs should I use?
Most people use the logs and branches that are plentiful where they live. Up north where I live (Minnesota), we're limited to the trees that can survive the winters. I use mostly pine, poplar, and cedar if I can get it. People who live down south have many more trees to choose from, trees that don't grow in northern climates. Logs I have never worked with. One thing to think about is that when working with hard woods, like oak and tamarack, it is best to cut the tenons before the wood completely dries. Hickory doesn't grow up here, so I don't know anything about it. It is hard to drive a nail into dry tamarack after it has dried, and probably would dull the EZ blades quickly. Use your best judgement, and use whatever wood you can get your hands on. You'll get your best result if using semi-dry logs.
My tenons are not coming out even. What am I doing wrong?
It could be the pilot hole. You may have started drilling the pilot hole in the center of the log, but got off level after you started drilling. In the product manual, on page 14, there is a diagram showing what happens if the pilot hole is not drilled level (parallel). One shoulder of the tenon comes out wide, while one side comes out thin.
The cutter follows the pilot hole. So, when you are lining up your drill to drill the pilot hole, be sure to look up and down and sideways to get level in all directions. To get a better visual, take a log and set the cutter on top without drilling a pilot hole. Now just slightly pivot the cutter so the guide pin is slightly off level. You will see how the cutter will be cutting, and how easy it is to get off.
If you are a little off, it shouldn’t really matter. Sometimes you even want to do this for angled rails. See page 15 in the product manual for a photo.
The cutter follows the pilot hole. So, when you are lining up your drill to drill the pilot hole, be sure to look up and down and sideways to get level in all directions. To get a better visual, take a log and set the cutter on top without drilling a pilot hole. Now just slightly pivot the cutter so the guide pin is slightly off level. You will see how the cutter will be cutting, and how easy it is to get off.
If you are a little off, it shouldn’t really matter. Sometimes you even want to do this for angled rails. See page 15 in the product manual for a photo.
Do you sell mortise bits?
No. There are so many different brands and sizes of bits to drill mortises that a small company like Rustic Woodworking could never stock them all. We concentrate on the E-Z Log Tenon Cutters instead. You can obtain reasonably priced bits from your local stores, like Home Depot, Lowe's, or Menards. There are tons of on-line stores like Rockler Woodworking, Woodcraft, Harbor Freight and Northern Tool where you can buy better quality bits, and have more size options. I personally like to use forstner bits because there is less tear-out compared to spade bits, and the mortise is smooth on the sides and bottom. Because the E-Z Log Tenon Cutters are adjustable, you can buy whatever size mortise bit you want, and just match the cutter up to that size. (1" up to 3" diameter).
Do I need to use a strap clamp to hold down my logs?
The quick answer is no. You will need some type of clamp to hold the log while you are drilling the pilot hole and cutting the tenon. If you have a large wood clamp mounted to your work bench that will accept the size log you are working with, you can do that easily. When I do that, I wrap the log in a towel so the grips of the clamp jaws don't get permanently embedded into the wood. The only reason you want to use a strap clamp, is because the strap won't leave marks on the wood. A strap clamp is actually quicker to change logs. Push the lever to release, and change logs. I use a strap clamp for peeling bark with a draw knife. Peel one side, release tension, flip the log over, tighten back down, and peel off the other side. I also use strap clamps to cut cross-grain log slices. When you are working with round things, like logs, you're asking for trouble if you don't secure it down. You can make a strap clamp and take it with you in the woods. Nail it down to a stump or sawhorse. Here's a link for a FREE strap clamp plan that you can build out of scrap pieces of wood and a ratchet clamp.
Can I use a battery powered drill?
Yes. But. The E-Z Log Tenon Cutters and E-Z Log Sink will fit into any 1/2" drill, but are designed for electric drills. If you only have one or two tenons to cut on soft wood, you might get by with a battery drill. We recommend using the highest powered electric drill you can get your hands on, and one with a side handle for added wrist support. There is quite a bit of torque when starting the cut for the tenon, and a side-handle on your drill will even-out the stress on your wrists. The pilot hole guide will keep the drill steady and produce a perfect tenon, but if you put on too much pressure initially, the cutting blades may cut too deeply and get stuck, thereby causing your drill to twist instead. The key is to start all cuts slowly, and increase drill speed gradually.
Where are you located?
Just about 30 miles south of Duluth, Minnesota. Down old highway 61. Call for directions.
Download the Product Manual for free!
The E-Z Log Tenon Cutter Product Manual has answers to many typical questions, provides extra tips and tricks on using our products, and has many photos and examples. To download the PDF Product Manual, click the link below. If you would like to watch some YouTube videos, please go to the home page.
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