I've started a new educational project call the Joint Effort. The mission of the Joint Effort is to build a community of woodworkers committed to helping each other build and strengthen Hand Tool Woodworking Skills. If you're watching this here for the first time, you're already several weeks behind. Get caught up at www.jointeffort.net/learn If you'd like to receive these videos directly, please go to www.JointEffort.net/join-in and sign up. ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xS41Pt2jP48

... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAqFy4I7UL8

... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cs3IwwSrpNU

If you were paying attention when Jeff Lefkowitz covered his "6 Components of Strong Joinery" you'll know why the surface quality of our mortises is important. Choosing the right bit is a big factor. But you also need to be sure to put it in the drill press properly. And then you need a way to make each mortise the same depth, even though the distance between the work and the bit changes with each mortise. This week's video... This 3 minute video shows you the type of drill bit we use for all the mortises on the Berea Ladderback Chairs. You'll also learn the right way to chuck it into the press and how we set it up so we can drill without any stops. If you're interested in joining a small group of remote students as we build some Berea Ladderback Chairs this Spring, just reply to this message and let me know. It's a great time to get enrolled so you start getting ready for the build. Class starts right after Valentines Day. ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7fL7Nb4utY