Apparatus for forming an interlocking joint

A template for forming a repeating, interlocking pattern using a rotating cutting tool spaced apart from the template by a fixed distance, the pattern formed in a work piece having an upper surface, the template comprising:

• a body having an elongated edge and a lower surface, the lower surface of the body positionable against the upper surface of the work piece;
• a plurality of notches formed in the elongated edge of the body, each notch having a first side, a second side, and an innermost edge, the notches positioned along the elongated edge at equal intervals,
• the first side of each notch being approximately S-shaped having
• an outer curved portion having an outer radius and an outer center point, the outer radius being equal to a given distance which is equal to the fixed distance which the cutting tool is spaced from the template,
• an inner curved portion having an inner radius and an inner center point, the inner curved portion formed so as to curve in a direction opposite to the outer curved portion, the inner radius being equal to three times the given distance, the inner curved portion and outer curved portion being formed so that the outer center point and the inner center point are aligned along an axis approximately perpendicular to the work piece edge,
• the innermost edge being configured to be complementary to the elongated edge of the body;
• and
• the second side being substantially perpendicular to the elongated edge of the body.