How to Choose the Right Lumberjack Tools Tenon Cutter

One of our most popular questions is, "What is the difference between the tenon cutter series?" The answer is not just the colors, although they do help in identifying the types of cutters. Let's look at the top differences between the series that help identify which cutter is the best fit for you and your needs.

1. Shoulder Profile
The shoulder profile is what is created by the tenon cutter right below the cut tenon.

There are two options: the 60° Tapered Shoulder Profile and the Radius Shoulder Profile.

The first thing you need to decide is which shoulder profile you prefer. The 60° Tapered Shoulder offers a more rustic look, consistent with most rustic furniture projects, while the radius shoulder profile offers a more refined look.

Which one is better? Neither! The shoulder profile just comes down to a matter of preference. Some prefer one over the other, but they are both equally sturdy and provide professional-looking log furniture.

If you prefer the 60° Tapered Shoulder Profile – The Tapered Shoulder Profile looks like a sharpened pencil. This look has a more visible shoulder common in traditional rustic log furniture. Due to the shape, the 60° Tapered Shoulder Profile accepts larger logs than the Radius Shoulder tools. If you chose the 60° Tapered Shoulder Profile, you would need to choose between the Commercial and Industrial Series Tenon Cutters. These offer a larger log capacity than the radius shoulder tenon cutters and provide the "rustic" look found on most log furniture projects.

Here are some examples of wood furniture that used a 60° Tapered Shoulder Profile tenon cutter.

If you prefer the Radius Shoulder Profile – the Radius Shoulder profile has a distinct, curved shape. This shape creates a clean, low-profile look when assembled. If you chose the Radius Shoulder Profile, you would need to choose between the Home and Pro Series Tenon Cutters. These provide a more refined look for any log furniture project you decide on.

Here are some examples of wood furniture that used a Radius Shoulder Profile tenon cutter. 

2. Features & Specs

Once you have decided which shoulder profile you prefer, you have narrowed it down from four series to two (depending on if you prefer the 60° Tapered Shoulder or the Radius Shoulder). The next step is to decide which of the two series you prefer based on features.

The Home and Commercial Series Tenon Cutters are made from die-cast aluminum. Die casting is a metal casting process characterized by forcing molten metal under high pressure into a mold cavity. The mold cavity is created using two hardened tool steel dies, which have been machined into shape and work similarly to an injection mold during the process.

The Home Series (picture below) is our standard Radius Shoulder Tenon Cutter and is an excellent choice for beginners. These tenon cutters, available in three sizes: 1", 1-1/2", and 2", are not only great tools but also affordable, offering a lifetime guarantee. They are perfect for homeowners, hobbyists, and anyone starting out log furniture building, providing great value for your money.

The Commercial Series Tenon Cutters (pictured below) is our standard 60° Tapered Shoulder Tenon Cutter and is a great series to get started with. These tenon cutters are available in three sizes: 1”, 1-1/2”, and 2” sizes. The Commercial Series Tenon Cutters are a cost-effective way to achieve a traditional, rustic look on all log furniture projects.

The Pro and Industrial Series Tenon Cutters are CNC machined from a solid billet of aluminum. "Computer Numerical Controlled" CNC Machining is a process used in the manufacturing sector that involves the use of computers to control machine tools. Tools that can be controlled in this manner include lathes, mills, routers, and grinders. The CNC in CNC Machining stands for Computer Numerical Control. There are many advantages to using CNC Machining. The process is more precise than manual machining and can be repeated in the same manner repeatedly. Because of the precision possible with CNC Machining, this process can produce complex shapes that would be almost impossible to achieve with manual machining.

These tools also feature our In-sight Measurement System™, which is a series of slots at the top of the tools that allow you to measure the tenon length by sight instead of having to use a tape measure. It also works with our Quick Stop Pins, which is a pin and bolt system that fits into the tops of the tools to stop the log at the specified length.

The Pro Series (pictured below) is a premium version of our Home Series tool and features a superior aircraft-grade aluminum body. The Pro Series is available in five sizes: ½”, ¾”,1”, 1-1/2”, and 2”. These tools also feature our In-sight Measurement System™, which is a series of slots at the top of the tools that allow you to measure the tenon length by sight instead of having to use a tape measure. It also works with our Quick Stop Pins, which is a pin and bolt system that fits into the tops of the tools to stop the log at the specified length.

The Industrial Series (pictured below) are premium quality, heavy-duty line of tenon cutters. These cutters feature a 60° Tapered Shoulder tenon profile, a precision machined billet aluminum body, a durable high-strength steel shank, razor-sharp precision ground dual blades, and a unique In-sight Measurement System™. They come in five sizes: 1”, 1-1/2”, 2”, 2-1/2”, and 3”. We also offer 2” XL and 3” XL Tenon Cutters which accept oversized logs. Our Industrial Series Tenon cutters have the largest log capacity of any series making them well-suited for larger, sturdier projects. 

3. Make Your Choice
Once you have decided which shoulder profile you prefer, and which features and specs you prefer, it should be easy for you to decide which tenon cutter series would be best for you. Of course, if you still have questions, you are welcome to call us during our business hours (Monday – Friday, 8 am - 4:00 pm CST) at 715-514-0319.