Boy, did I mess up…

But, I was able to fix it!

Lesson of the Day: Don’t let your children distract you at critical times, no matter how much you love having them in the shop with you.

My 3 year old daughter was “helping” me make a few flat panel doors. The stiles and rails are joined with M & T. I chopped one mortise, helped her with something, then came back to layout and chop the second. Problem is, I chopped on the wrong side of the stile. I noticed immediately, immediately up on completion that is, what I did. Well, no turning back now, so I chopped on the correct side and now had a through mortise.

I glued up the door and let it sit overnight. This morning, I cut a plug of similar grain, pared it to fit, and glued it in place. After an hour or so, I pared the plug almost flush, and then took my #4 to the entire edge. Since I couldn’t get the repair to show, I rubbed some white chalk in it for clarity.

These doors will be stained a dark, early American color, so I am certain the repair will not be visible. Thanks for letting me share.