Butlers Tray

I've been requested to make a butler's tray. This is a simple rectangular tray with simple cutouts for hand holds. A piece of plywood forms the base, and four small pieces of wood are used for the sides:

They will fix together like this:

The four edges are fixed together using finger joints. This is extremely easy on the woodrat.

I also routed a slot along the bottom edge of all four side pieces, the plywood base slots into this.

The side edges now need a cutout as a hand hold.  Unfortunately the test piece didn't go well. I have no secure way to cut what are essentially mortises on the woodrat. So, I have decided to make some accessories for the woodrat.

The tray will have to wait until I have finished those, then I'll be able to finish it.