Loose Tongue in Groove Boards

[oneoddguy]

Hello,

I was wondering if someone can give me some tips on creating a garden gate with the joinery of a loose tongue in ajoining boards. I plan to complete my task over the weekend. The information I'm after is

• What depth of the groove should have vs the loose tongue
• should I use the same wood the boards are made out of?
• Should the tongue be loose or a tight fit? (yes I know I've called it a loose tongue before )

Any other tips, comments or resources would be much appreciated

Thank you

 

[Doug71]

9mm deep grooves so 18mm wide tongue, minimum 2mm gap between boards which gives the tongue at least 2mm clearance.

Tongue not too tight and give it a coat of whatever you are going to finish the gate with before you assemble it.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

I'd think any tongue and groove in a garden gate would be inviting rot.

 

[oneoddguy]

9mm deep grooves so 18mm wide tongue, minimum 2mm gap between boards which gives the tongue at least 2mm clearance.

Tongue not too tight and give it a coat of whatever you are going to finish the gate with before you assemble it.

Thanks Doug71 much appreciated

 

[oneoddguy]

I'd think any tongue and groove in a garden gate would be inviting rot.

I understand your concern. The wood I'm using is treated. I will be making sure to add extra glue on the ends so no water can penetrate into groove

 

[rajsol3000]

It might be easier and quicker to buy and use a cheap biscuit cutting machine.

 

[oneoddguy]

It might be easier and quicker to buy and use a cheap biscuit cutting machine.

Hey Rajsol3000,

I ended up using my homemade router table with a biscuit bit. worked perfectly! I'll upload some photos when I have he time

 

[johnnyb]

Just to mull over tongue and groove a bit. I've started to use rebated shiplap style that's not to tight on outdoor stuff i just think it's less of a pain as it doesn't tend to jam after painting. Loose tongue is even trickier to protect than t and g.

 

[johnnyb]

Whilst still allowing movement of course.