Wood Joinery

Dowels strengthen joints and help align the parts. To work well, they rely on holes drilled at precise locations and angles. You can employ a drill press, hand drill, commercial drilling jigs, or custom-made drill guides. 

A "cradle" refers to a partial-depth pocket on the edge or corner of a workpiece. Since it is not a "through" cut, it requires hand sawing and chisel chopping. 

A mortise is typically a rectangular pocket that goes fully or partially through the workpiece. It is paired with a tenon, which is typically a rectangular tongue that may be barefaced or shouldered.