Tip #82
How to Make Two Common Woodworking Joints
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2. Notch Joint

Description:
Two pieces of stock may be assembled in a notch joint by cutting dadoes across the edges which have depth equal to one half the width of the stock.

Fig. 1 Click image for larger view.

Use:
Notch joints are used in making dividers for silver or similar drawers, partitions of book shelves and cabinets. They provide a ready means of cross bracing in box and furniture construction of all types.

Operations:
Warning: When cutting notches, it is necessary to remove the upper saw guard. Whenever you remove the upper guard, keep the lower guard in place and work with extreme caution.

1. Prepare a piece of stock 3/4" x 3" x 16".

2. Crosscut stock into pieces of equal length.

3. Measure 3-9/16" from end of one piece and mark a square line at this point on the 3" face.

4. Stand other piece on end, with one edge exactly on line, and mark the thickness of stock.

Fig. 2 Click image for larger view.

5. Now measure to exactly the center of 3" face (in this case 1-1/2") and mark.

6. Use this mark to set saw blade height. See diagram.

Fig. 3 Click image for larger view.

7. Set rip fence so outer tooth of blade is on mark farthest from fence. (The marks made in Step 4).

Fig. 4 Click image for larger view.

8. Place miter gauge in left slot and put both pieces on edge against it and butted against fence. Have marked face of stock toward blade.

9. Hold pieces firmly together against miter gauge and make cut.

10. Still holding both pieces firmly together, remove from biter gauge and return gauge.

11. Reposition the two pieces so that the edge of blade toward the fence cuts exactly on the other mark.

Fig. 5 Click image for larger view.

12. Hold pieces together, remove from miter gauge and return gauge.

13. Keep repeating cuts, each time sliding both pieces toward fence the width of a saw blade cut, until all waste is removed.

14. You now have two slots or cross dadoes. Assemble the pieces.

Fig. 6 Click image for larger view.

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