Tongue And Dado Joint

By Robert Robillard on Workshop tips

 Tongue And Dado Joint

Tongue And Dado Cabinet Joint

When building built in cabinets and bookcases I was taught to use a tongue and dado joint for the frames.

A tongue and dado joint, pictured above, is a strong, sturdy  and simple joint to make on a table saw with a dado blade.

Tongue And Dado Drawer Joints

The drawer joint I like to use is a tongue and dado joint, like you see in the photo above. The joint is strong, sturdy, and simple to make.

The Dado

The first step is to cut a dado in the drawer sides, as shown in detail ‘a’ below. Just be sure the inside edge of the dado matches the thickness of the drawer front and back.

The Tongue

The tongue that makes up the other half of the joint is made by cutting a rabbet at the end of the workpiece, as in detail ‘b.’ To ensure a good fit, I find it best to sneak up on the cut until the tongue slips snugly into the dado.

Fence Locations

The first step is to cut a dado in the drawer sides, as shown in detail ‘a’ below. Just be sure the inside edge of the dado matches the thickness of the drawer front and back.

The tongue that makes up the other half of the joint is made by cutting a rabbet at the end of the workpiece, as in detail ‘b.’ To ensure a good fit, I find it best to sneak up on the cut until the tongue slips snugly into the dado.

Making this joint requires using almost the same dado thickness and height set up but with different fence locations.

  1. The first step is to cut a dado in the cabinet or bookcase side. The tongue will fit into this dado.
  2. The second step involves cutting the tongue. The tongue makes up the other half of the joint and is made by cutting a rabbet at the end of the workpiece, as in photo detail ‘b.’ I always take precautions to keep the tongue from bottoming out inside the dado.
  3. Practice on scrap material until you get a snug cut.
  4. Glue, clamp and secure with a few finish nails.

 Tongue And Dado Joint


Photo Credit

 

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About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

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