What is a better joint?

[jayzBH]

Hello
I am in the process of making a TV stand and was wondering what a better joint is?
For what I have to work with I will be using dado blades.
I am using ¾” OAK I didn’t know if the whole ¾” should be inserted or half 3/8” of the wood would make a better joint or does it matter?

I have attached a diagram.

Thank you,
JayzBH

[ThomasW]

Use B

[AdelaaR]

The contact area is larger in diagram B so I think B will be stronger.
It's also easier to do

[BobEllis]

Watch the actual thickness of the "3/4" oak. Usually it's a hair thinner and if you set your dado at 3/4" the joint will fit loosely. You'd need epoxy or some other gap filler to make the joint strong.

[cjd]

In addition to what Bob mentions, you need to be careful because too much gap without extra careful attention can weaken the side-load strength above/below the joint. Test-fit and get it just right. Urethane glues are NOT sufficient to fill the gaps in these joints if strength matters.

With the full-width dado you can go only 1/4" deep usually.

Also, with your half-width joint you probably want to put the wide part of the shelf *down* not up, as it is in the diagram. Downward force has the opportunity to try to split the board halfway if it's up.

All things considered, it's all likely to be plenty strong.

C

[jayzBH]

After thinking about it more it does make sense to go with B and that is true its less work just wanted another opinion before constructing the build.

Thanks everyone,
JayzBH

[oneplustwo]

Also, you might consider making your own cross-cut/dado sled depending on how large your pieces are. Your dado blade might be set up right, but if you can't make a straight, square pass, it won't do you much good.

[jayzBH]

Also, you might consider making your own cross-cut/dado sled depending on how large your pieces are. Your dado blade might be set up right, but if you can't make a straight, square pass, it won't do you much good.

I am not sure if I understand to make my “own cross-cut/dado sled”?

[jayzBH]

To give you a better idea of what i plain to build I will be changing some minor measurements this will give you a better understanding.

[oneplustwo]

I am not sure if I understand to make my “own cross-cut/dado sled”?

Just google search for cross cut sled or dado sled. It's just a jig that will help keep your piece square and straight as it goes over the blade(s).

[jayzBH]

Just google search for cross cut sled or dado sled. It's just a jig that will help keep your piece square and straight as it goes over the blade(s).

Excellent.. Thank you for the tip that will come in very handy.. :P