Laying Out The Middle Housing Dados — How To Make A Hanging Wall Shelf

The most important element to take into account when laying out housing dados is that you must work accurately so that the frame/structure will be square and symmetrical. For this reason, the initial layout (which consists of approximate guidelines) requires careful attention.

Start with the recesses on the side pieces for the shelf. To get the position centred, stand both side pieces together on edge with the back facing up. (This is where you will make your markings.) Bring the shelf piece and stand it flush on the end of the side pieces to deduct its thickness by making a pencil mark. Then measure the resulting length and divide by two.

Mark this distance up from one end, make a small mark, and bring in your shelf piece again to mark the second wall. Square both of these lines across the back edge of both side pieces and then along the inside faces, but don’t go all the way towards the front as they will be stopped housing dados.

Place the shelf piece square to the end of the side pieces, flush with your fingertips, and mark with a pencil

Measure the length up to the line and divide by two, marking the resulting distance from one end

Bring in the shelf piece again to mark the position of the other wall

Square these lines onto the inside faces towards the front edges

The exact distance the recess stops from the front is not critical, but going with the thickness of stock is a very quick and efficient practice. In that light, stand the edge of the shelf piece against the face of the side piece, flush on the front edge, and mark the ends of the recesses with a pencil. Mark the recess with an X and repeat on the other side piece.

Flush the front edge with your shelf stock, feeling with your fingers

Strike a line to mark where the housing dado 'stops'

To mark the depth, set your marking gauge to ¼” (6mm) and run the pin along the back edge between the two pencil lines.

Use the marking gauge to set the depth of the recesses