Help with making a groove.

[Matt Walton]

Not sure if this is the best place to post, but anyway.
I am working on the flip top tool stand, and it calls for a groove in the end, but I am not sure how to do it. I have attached a picture of what I need to do. The directions said to do it on the tablesaw, but it didn't say how, like if there is a jig I need to make. Comments would be greatly appreciated.

[Ben Hatcher]

You'll need a jig. It is pretty easy to build, though. It will end up looking like an h and will saddle your table saw rip fence. The tall side will be used to register the piece and the lower portion is sized to closely ride on your fence. Check out making tenons on the table saw for additional info and pictures.

[Matt Walton]

OK, thanks. I think I've seen one before on the Wood Whisperer. I think I even have what I need.

[glenn bradley]

Do not attempt to rip that piece without proper support or kickback can result. A tenoning jig or like device is what you are after. They can be very simple shop made versions or commercially available ones.

http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/tablesawtenonjig.aspx
http://www.woodmagazine.com/woodworking-plans/tablesaw/shop-made-tablesaw-tenoning-jig/
http://www.finewoodworking.com/ToolGuide/ToolGuideArticle.aspx?id=3065

[Joe Chritz]

Looks a lot like a bridle joint half.

The easiest way for most of us to do that is with a tenon cutting jig. I have a real jig on my wish list and its been there for years. I use the "slide over the fence and clamp" version for as often as I use one.

Joe

[Prashun Patel]

I make those on the bandsaw with a depth stop. You'll have to clean up with a chisel. By flipping the piece and moving out from the center, you can get a perfectly centered mortise.

A second approach is to make them out of 3 laminations. This works better with thicker pieces, and where the grain can be easily matched. Although, the couple times I've done this, I couldn't even see the glue line.

FWIW, I love a tight bridle as much as the next, but sometimes I cheat into a halflap. Much easier to make, just about as strong, and surprisingly not glaringly distinguishable from a bridle joint in many applications.