OK, I'll try
I'm having a hard time finding the definition of mortises cuts and dado cuts. Is a dado when a groove is cut out off the wood like a channel from one side to the other? Is a mortise a notch that is cut out in the center of a peace of wood but does not go all the way threw, like a drill bit going only part of the way into the wood? Thanks again.
They are very similar except....
A dado is a shallow groove and usually runs the full width of the work.
A mortise is much deeper, and is stopped on either end....usually.
A dado accepts a piece of equal thickness to the groove's width.
A mortise accepts a tongue or tenon which is reduced in dimension so as to conceal the mortise...usually.
Dados are used more in cabinetry....usually.
Mortises and tenons are used in finer furniture.
A dado may be used to retain the bottom of a drawer or box or to support a shelf on the sides and or back of a cabinet.
A mortise and tenon is a strong, freestanding joint which needs no other means of support. They can be pinned or wedged to secure them, but are almost always glued.
That's all I got.... :blink: