te edge towards you,
and again use the saw as illustrated. You will this time only have to
watch the gauge mark on the edge of the wood, because the saw will
readily follow in the saw kerf already made. Now place the wood
vertically in the vice, and keeping the saw in a horizontal position, saw
down to the shoulder line.

Halving joints properly made and fitted should knock together with the
weight of the clenched fist; the use of a heavy mallet or hammer will
deface the work.

[Illustration: Fig. 71.--Joints used in the erection of a Queen Post Roof
Truss.]

THE BRIDLE JOINT

A bridle joint is often defined as the reverse of a mortise and tenon,
and is chiefly used in the carpentry and joinery trades. The name
probably originated from the fact that it bears some resemblance to the
manner in which a bit slips into the horse's mouth and is fastened to the
bridle. There are fewer varieties of the bridle joint than of the halved
or the mortise and tenon; and this being the case we may take the
opportunity of giving a few detailed directions, with explanatory
illustrations, on the setting out and the making.

[Illustration: Fig. 72.--Simple Bridle Joint.]

Fig. 72 shows a bridle joint in what is perhaps its simplest form, the
separate pieces being given at the left and the completed joint at the
right. A joint of this type may be applied in nearly all cases where a
halved or a mortise and tenon joint could be used. Bridle joints have an
advantage as regards appearance over the mortise and tenoned variety in
cases such as Fig. 73, which shows an occasional table leg fitted to the
circular top framing. The bridle joint here allows the grain of the leg
to run through to the top, and gives a better and more workmanlike
appearance to the completed article.

[Illustration: Fig. 73.--Table Leg Bridle-jointed to Rail.]

Fig. 74 is a "Mitred bridle joint," the part _a_ showing the upright
portion separated. This is a most useful joint for positions similar to
that shown in the small glass frame, Fig. 75. The wood framing in this
case is only 1-3/8 in. in width, and if a mortise were used it would have
to be exceptionally small. The shaped rail at the bottom of this frame
again shows the application of the bridle joint.

Fig. 76 shows an "Oblique bridle joint," used in many instances as a
brace, or strut, to prevent framing from racking. (See also Figs. 31 and
32.)

Fig. 77 is a "Stopped bridle joint," used in po