haunch mortise and tenon joinery

[sliv33]

Can someone tell me if there is a preferable angle for the haunch and about how long it should be?  The angle will influence the lenght, if one keeps the final width or height of the tenon constant.  I'm making a stool for a vanity table and my legs are 1and3/4 inches square and my apron will be 4 inches wide, using 1 inch thick wood.  I plan to have my tenons be 3/8 thick.

Thanks,

Arnold

[Bill Sutton]

Since no one has weighed in, I will give my opinion.  Haunched tenons are primarily used in frame and panel construction to fill the panel groove so that it doesn't show on the end of the stiles.  I don't think there is any significant structural advantage provided by a haunch; in fact I think it could be argued that it may actually weaken the post.

Bill