It seems like everything I try to do by hand recently is a first time for me.
For a pair of end tables I'm making, I need to attach 4 1/2" x 1/2" uprights between 2 rails along with a 1/2" x 2" in the center. The are not structural components but I don't want them spinning or coming loose. I'm going to use a 1/4" mortise & tenon 1/2" deep for the 2" center upright. I'm pretty new at cutting mortises by hand and I'm using standard chisels to the the work. I'm confident I can cut the center joint, but the 1/4" x 1/4" x 1/2" hole for the small ones is trickier.
I've thought about drilling 1/4" hole and trying to square the corners with a chisel. I only have 1/8" shoulders, so they have to be precise and I need to make 32 of them. I do have a 1/8" chisel, if that helps but I figured a clean cut with a 1/4" would be the way to go.
Any tips or suggestions?