Adding wedges

Today I have begun assembling my "torii" tables. I spread glue on the tenons, carefully avoiding the areas that will protrude on the outside. Then I dip a wedge in glue so when it is driven in place with a small hammer, the glue will spread and affix the wedge in place and spread the tenon so it is slightly wider than the mortise. It is a technique as old as woodworking itself, and if you go to some of the world's greatest museums you will find works hundreds of years old using similar joints.