Eric Rathhaus
Contributor

French cleats by hand

On straight grain redwood, mark the mating pieces with your desired angle (traditionally 45 degrees) on each end.

Connect the side mark across the face.

With a sharp plane, remove everything above the mark.

Check your progress as you go.

Predrill before mounting to avoid splitting the stock.

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Advanced method uses splitting with a hacking knife or hatchet, but this requires predictable materials.