How To Make Perfect Half Lap Joints On The Table Saw

Half laps joints can be used for all sorts of joinery tasks and mastering them can open the doors to some more creative joinery options as well. This is just one of many ways to cut half lap joints on the table saw, but it's a good one.

HERE'S AN EASY WAY TO MAKE THE SHIM:

TOOLS THAT I USED IN THIS VIDEO:
(Please keep in mind that I do not own and have not used the less expensive blades. But these are Flat Tooth Grind ripping blades and at a much lower cost. It's good to have options!)

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[harveysburger]

Awesome how he gets straight to the point. No time wasted, precise clear instructions then done. In and out in few minutes

[jfoy.]

I've been watching videos to improve my woodworking for 3 years now, how come i'm just now finding your videos? All of them are amazing. Thank you.

[jrmakawoody]

Thanks for adding the less expensive alternative blade!

[tonyh]

This is by far a very cool technique; I think I have watched this video several times which mean I plan on using it- thanks

[josephhargrove]

A nice, elegant use of direct measurement to size the pieces correctly. Use of the shim is a plus and the step I've been missing. I gotta make me one of those!
richard
--
“Everything that needs to be said has already been said. But since no one was listening, everything must be said again.”
— André Gide

[jrosenste]

Amateur woodcrafter. I used this technique tonight in some half laps I'm using for cabinet doors. Worked INCREDIBLY easy. Definitely recommend using a flat tooth blade as I had some extra sanding to do with the blade I used.

Thanks for the great content. Earned a sub, for sure!

[whomadethatsaltysoup]

Superb! I'm an old shopfitter who has been pottering around in my ever developing garage workshop. This is an absolute gem of a tip. Easy to execute and virtually free. I went ahead, a while back and bought the Banggood kerf-doofer when it was on sale at £15 Sterling. Well, it absolutely works, and I cannot complain with the quality of the accessory which is excellent - especially for the price!
However, your tip makes half laps, dados and grooves a breeze on the table saw.
Thank you for sharing! You have a new subscriber! 👍

[fastlap]

I just wanted to tell you I used this method today for the first time and it worked perfectly.

[toonybrain]

I always appreciate your videos of expected cleverness, but never as much as when I’m working on a project which involves one of your topics. It’s then that the relevance and usefulness of your information shines. I can’t wait for morning to start on my half-laps. 😁

[stephenrichie]

Yup. Figured that out a couple of years ago. The blade-thick spacer is the key. Works like a charm. Good video. Thanks.

[NWGR]

Awesome dude. Your vids are quickly becoming my "bag of tricks" go-to.

[mattbowers]

Excellent, and with paired to the video on making the perfect shim it is unbeatable!

[wayneduncan]

I have now watched three (3) of your instructional videos and very impressed with your presentation and content.

[APCDTBSYLDOMN]

amazes me how much more acheivable a tight half lap is from watching this video. looking forward to scrolling through your other videos! Thanks mate!

[gdreclaimed]

That is a great way to do half laps! I like it because I use a lot of reclaimed wood and the pieces are never the same width. I always flatten a reference side any way so thickness is never the issue.

[JohnSmith-orre]

Tried this today and it worked perfectly the first time!! Thanks for this.

[stevehubner]

Thanks i watched this video this morning, Went out to shed and tried it out both on sled and miter gauge was very surprised at how neat they both came out definitely a worthy way of doing things wont be using the ruler now lol

[mightymorka]

Man, I’m literally inspired by all your videos!!!

[billdodson]

best best best video, script, and approach on this topic

[libertyvilleguy]

Very good instruction; short and to-the-point. Thank you.