The “mortise” is the recess where the tenon goes. It can be cut by hand with a mallet and mortising chisel, or mechanically ...

Also, hold the leg firmly against the miter gauge to ensure that it doesn't move while it's being cut [5]. Next, lay out the lines for the mortises. You can use a mortise marking gauge for this ...

Set the marking gauge for half the thickness of the timber ... for example tee halving, bridle, mortise and tenon, or dovetail, discuss how similar skills could be used to create these joints.