How to Cut a Bridal Joint
- 1). Determine the location of the joint on your pieces of wood. Depending on your design, you may cut the joint in the center of the wood or at the end depending on your needs.
- 2). Measure with a ruler and mark with a pencil two squares to cut out for the joints. The squares should oppose each other with a reasonable distance between them in an "H" shape. On 2 X 4 pieces of wood for example, 1-inch square marks would work well.
- 3). Cut out the marked squares on the sides of the wood leaving a square of wood intact in the middle. Use a jigsaw rather than a handsaw for greater accuracy. Be sure to wear safety goggles and protective gloves when working with joinery tools.
- 4). Mark a single square in the center of the edge of the other piece of wood where you want the joints to meet. Remember, if you used 1-inch squares on a 4-inch width of wood on the other piece, you should make a 2 inch square out of the center of this piece of wood. The two pieces of wood should interlock after cutting.
- 5). Use the jigsaw or handsaw to cut out the center square from the second piece of wood.
- 6). Sand the insides of the cut joints with sandpaper to smooth away any rough edges. Be sure not to over sand and change the fit of the two joints.
- 7). Interlock the two pieces of wood and secure the joint permanently with wood glue. Use clamps to hold the joint securely until the glue has dried completely.
