DIY Network

Lock Joint From "DIY Tools & Techniques" episode DIT-337

A lock joint is a good drawer joint because it holds together tightly as the drawer is moved. Guest Glen Huey gives host David Thiel a lesson on making a lock joint on a table saw.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Make a lock joint with 1/2" stock

1. Use a 1/4" dado stack for this project. Set the blade 1/4" above the table.

2. Set the fence 1/4" from the blade edge.

3. Place a board flat against the table top and tight against the fence.

4. Make a cut on all the way across the board. This board will be the drawer side (figure A).

5. For the drawer front, cut a 1/4" x 1/4" rabbet. So that you don’t have to change the blade setup, Use a 1/4" spacer board between the fence and the board. Use your miter gauge to hold the board and maintain the spacing as you push through the cut (figure B).

6. Change the blade height to 1/2".

7. Stand the drawer front vertically for the next cut.

8. Make the cut through the end of the board, holding the board tight against the fence (figure C). Make sure your fingers are holding the board above the cut area and out of harm’s way.

9. Put the two boards together and you’ve got a lock joint. Remember to use glue to bond the joint (figure D).

   To make a lock joint on a table saw using 3/4" material, follow the first few steps until you get to step 5, cutting the rabbet. For 3/4" material, you will need a 1/2" x 1/4" rabbet, so don’t use the spacer to make that cut. Then, raise the blade to 3/4" to make the vertical cut.
   

   
   

   RESOURCES :
   

   Delta X5 Table Saw
   USA: 800-223-7278 Canada 800-463-3582
   Email: contactus@pnrtoolgrp.com
   Delta Machinery
   4825 Hwy. 45 North
   P.O. Box 2468
   Jackson, TN 38302-2468
   Website: www.deltawoodworking.com
   

   HTC Outfeed Roller Table
   HTC Products, Inc.
   332 E. Lincoln Ave.
   Royal Oak, MI 48068
   Phone: 800-624-2027

   
   

   GUESTS :
   

   Glen Huey
   The Woodworker's Edge DVD
   6895 Dutchland Blvd.
   Middletown, OH 45044
   Phone: 513-779-9798
   E-mail: glen@woodworkersedge.com
   Website: www.woodworkersedge.com

   ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
   	Lock Joint
   	Blind Dadoes
   	Using a Tenoning Jig
   	Cool Tools