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Next, there is no single right way to do it. How many different methods have you used to make a mortise? Spend some time with a couple woodworking magazines or blogs and you'll find at least that many different techniques or tips to do it a little differently. Always always always practice on a scrap piece first. This might be the one piece of advice I would give to new woodworkers. If I had a dollar for every time I thought, "got this" and went immediately to the work piece instead of a piece of scrap – well I'd have a lot of dollars. Take your time – I think my dad must have told me this when I was about 10 or so, but still today I often have to stop myself and slow down. I get anxious to get something finished and sometimes do less than quality work only to have to repair part of the project. Sometimes good is good enough! I know there are some perfectionists out there who can't even believe I put that on my page, but truly –often your trained eye is the only eye that will see the small imperfection that is consuming you. Finally, your shop is never finished. Frog