What is the safest way to cut stopped dados or rabbets! These will be approx 1/2” wide cuts in 2 - 2 1/2” wide fairly soft wood (Port Orford Cedar). They are used as part of a water drainage system for deck of boat.
For example, there may be a cross frame piece which is say 42” in length running across the beam of the dory deck. The only area which might need the dado or rabbet might be a 30” section in the middle into which the hatch lid fits. There are numerous variable for each bulkhead so need to individually cut rather than gang cut.
I’ve seen it done on a table saw twice, by an excellent craftsman. I have no interest in repeating that.
Ideas include a router table although not sure how to start the cut. I could use a plunge hand held router but the pieces are pretty narrow (could use a wider board and then rip to width later).
Another thought is to dado the entire length, and the cut a strip to epoxy back in the areas that need no dado.
Any other ideas? Thx much.
jon