Cutting the Second Wall — How to Make a Housing Dado

Repeat the previous steps to cut down the other wall of the recess. As you begin to chop and pare away the waste, you can take your divider piece and test the fit. If you feel it’s not as tight as you would like, continue chopping but angle the chisel slightly inwards. Make sure to do this consistently along the wall. If that solves it in a row or two of chops, continue the cut vertically.

When close to depth, remember to stop just shy of the line. It’s not an issue with the vertical chisel chops, as this doesn’t remove any material. However, paring from the side does (as does sawing with a tenon saw), so be especially careful as this can leave a very ugly gap in the finished joint. Once you’re to depth, you will be left with a ridge down the centre of the recess.

If you use the chisel hammer, be sure to go quite gently at first

You can go back in again with the knife and square to deepen the starting cut if you wish

Begin to pare cut from the side. You can register the flat face of the chisel on the first wall for consistency.

Chop vertically along the knifewall as before

Angle the chisel very slightly in to ensure the joint will only tighten as it comes together

Skew the chisel sideways for an easier slicing action

Go over the inside corner with the knife to ensure the depth