Tip #85
How to Make A Half Lap Miter Joint
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Operations:
Warning: When cutting half lap joints, it is necessary to remove the upper saw guard. Whenever the upper saw guard is removed, keep the lower guard in place and work with extreme caution.

1. Prepare two pieces of stock 3/4" x 1-3/4" x 16", or use stock prepared for Tip #83.

2. Place miter gauge in left table slot.

3. Adjust height of saw blade to 3/8". (1/2 stock thickness)

4. Place rip fence 1-3/4" to right of outside saw blade tooth.

5. Mark stock “A” and “B”.

6. Make cut across stock "A" with end against rip fence and edge against face of miter gauge.

Fig. 2 Click image for larger view.

7. Leave saw blade height the same.

8. Remove fence.

9. Set miter gauge at 45-degrees right and place in right table slot.

10. Take stock “B”, make 45-degree cut starting with inside saw blade tooth even with the left lower corner of stock.

11. Move stock left the width of saw blade kerf and repeat cut.

12. Make successive cuts until all waste stock is removed.

Fig. 3 Click image for larger view.

13. Adjust saw blade to 1-3/4" high.

14. Set rip fence 3/8" to right of inside saw blade tooth.

15. Again take stock “A”.

16. Grasp top of stock with right hand, press end flush on table and crosscut surface away from fence.

17. Press stock against rip fence using left hand.

18. Make cut slowly keeping stock perpendicular and firmly against rip fence at all times.

Fig. 4 Click image for larger view.

19. Lift up when cut is complete.
Note: Again, as in making the half lap joint, on tock too wide for the height of the saw blade, the surplus stock will have to be removed on stock “A” by making successive saw kerfs as was done on “B”.

20. Remove fence.

21. Adjust saw blade to 1" height.

22. Set miter gauge 45-degree left and place in left table slot.

23. Place stock “A” with uncut surface on table and make 45-degree cut through lower corner of joint end, starting with inside saw blade tooth even with right lower corner of stock.

Fig. 5 Click image for larger view.

24. Fit “A” and “B” together as shown in sketch below.

Fig.6 Click image for larger view.

Fig. 7 Click image for larger view.

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