In the above video I show how to cut a very easy Ship Lap joint with woodworking hand tools.

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What is a Ship Lap joint? A Ship Lap joint is essentially two opposing rabbet joints that overlap each other to hold panels together. It is used in furniture for drawer bottoms, tool chest bottoms, and the backs of cabinets. It is also commonly found in the construction of barn walls. I like using it for thin drawer bottoms, which are too thin for a tongue & groove joint.

Ship-Lap-Joint

TOOLS THAT YOU’LL NEED

Even though I’ve written a nice hand tool buying guide (here), I’m still often asked for links to the tools that I use in my videos, so here is a list of tools that I used (or mentioned) in this video:

WORKBENCH:
HAND PLANES:
MARKING & MEASURING:
MALLETS & HAMMERS:

In the video I use a Large shoulder plane, but you can also use any rabbet plane or a moving fillister plane. I simply use my marking gauge to mark the desired overlap on each board, then cut the first rabbet, using a squared piece of wood as a fence. I hold the fence and board on the workbench with two holdfasts. I cut about half way through the thickness of the board, taking care to keep my shoulder plane vertical. You can also use the marking gauge to scribe a depth line to ensure that you’re cutting vertical. But I find eyeballing works fine.

Ship-Lap-Fingers

Then I cut a rabbet on the other board (also using the fence), and when I feel like I’m getting close I’ll hold the first rabbet joint on top of the second rabbet to see my progress. When I’m getting close I will take one or two passes with the shoulder plane, then re-check. When the two pieces fit together with a flush top, then you’re finished!

Ship-Lap-Joint-Closed

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Aina2
aina2
October 4, 2014 7:48 am

saludos ,me gusta mucho lo que haces , sigue asi

Matthew Hill From Cobbs Creek Va
October 5, 2014 12:25 am

Good job! I enjoy your clear cut instructions and your video is clean and easy to follow. Well done Joshua!
Matt Hill

Edward P. Leonard
Edward P. Leonard
May 10, 2021 12:11 pm

Hi Joshua, I am new at woodworking trying to learn the beauty of doing it by hand. I am also fan and admirer of your work and your professionalism in the trade. Wish you always much success. While I did enjoyed very much and learn from your video on ship lap joint, I wasn’t able to find the “2nd Part” where you mentioned you will add a bead or similar to the joint so it doesn’t show that much. Was… Read more »

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