The tongue and groove joint is one of the most basic joints in woodworking.
The tongue-and-groove joint is one of the most basic types of joinery in woodworking and construction. The tongue-and-groove joint usually is used when long parts of two boards need to meet; it is a simplified version of the mortise and tenon, and easier to do. An open-ended groove is cut on the side of one board, and a tongue of the same width is cut into the side of the other board where the two will join together. Hardwood floors often utilize tongue and groove joints to create a tight-fitting joint that dirt and debris won't penetrate.
Instructions
1. Determine the length and width of the groove you need to cut. Fit your router with a straight bit of the correct size, and measure and mark the board. Use the router to cut the groove on the board, making sure the router stays in a straight line through the cut. You can also make the groove with a dado blade on a table saw, by setting the blade to the desired width and cutting the groove on the board.
2. Set the dado blade to the correct height on the table saw to cut a tongue that will fit into the groove. Make sure the depth of the tongue will correspond to the depth of the groove. To calculate the cut, subtract the width of the groove from the width of the wood and divide by two. Set the dado blade to this width.
3. Cut one side of the board on the table saw with the dado blade. Flip the board over and cut the other side.
4. Test the joint to make sure the boards fit together snugly. Make any adjustments needed to the cuts.
5. Apply wood glue to the tongue and groove. Fit the boards together and clamp until dry.
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