Question Regarding Half Lap Joint

[Yourname942]

I'm trying to figure out how to make half-lap joints using a router but I have a few questions:

Does anyone know:
 
- what bit you need for the router? (for 2x3 wood)
- how to make a router jig?

Thanks.

[Audiowizard]

Just use a standard "Straight Bit". As for the jig, you can just clamp a straight edge on the board and use that.

[Yourname942]

What do you mean clamp a straight edge on the board?

[Le Chuck]

He means to use clamps and firmly attach a straight piece of something to your work surface so the router has a guide to follow.  This keeps you from routing past the joint area providing you measure twice and cut once. 

Check this out if you really want to do a jig: http://www.woodmagazine.com/woodworking-plans/routing/half-lap-joint-jig/

However, if you're unfamiliar with the concept of a saw board (ie clamping a straight edge on the board) then you should do some more reading before you dive into jig making.  Your cuts will only be as good as the jig they're made with. 

[EightBySix]

Are you making lots of them? If not, consider going old school... All you would need is a saw and chisel. It would be quicker to make the joint than the jig.

Will it be on show? If so, then a router will give a cleaner edge if your just starting out.

[Yourname942]

Yes I'm making a lot of them, I'm pretty much following this guy's design: (the way/locations he uses half lap joints)
http://www.ogredog.com/mame_construction_home.htm

Edit: I just called Lowes, and they suggested just using a tablesaw.
Edit2: I went to Best buy to be 100% sure what size monitor I want to use, Instead of a using a 32" I'm going to use a 26" monitor. (32" is way to big to be comfortable to use)

[Sparkolicious]

man... just an opinion, but I would just not build it that way.. It's a lot more work than is necessary.  I know that is not the question you asked, but that seems fairly well covered. 

[yaksplat]

man... just an opinion, but I would just not build it that way.. It's a lot more work than is necessary.  I know that is not the question you asked, but that seems fairly well covered.

+1

[Yourname942]

Yeah I appreciate any help or opinions on the build.

I mean, I'm not going to build everything that he did, Just the half lap joint frame and base. I'm going to try to figure out a simpler way to mount the monitor and glass cover/marquee. (i'd probably use the way that Yaksplat mounted the monitor [unless there is a better way]

[yaksplat]

Yeah I appreciate any help or opinions on the build.

I mean, I'm not going to build everything that he did, Just the half lap joint frame and base. I'm going to try to figure out a simpler way to mount the monitor and glass cover/marquee. (i'd probably use the way that Yaksplat mounted the monitor [unless there is a better way]

I approve of this 

In retrospect, I should have made my monitor mount adjustable so I could easily move the screen to the left/right, up/down and rotate based on screws.  It's tough to get it all perfect.