CNC Cut End-To-End Finger Joint

I cut this joint as a sample to show my college furniture design class students. Originally just an idea I had to prove would work.   I haven't found a practical application for it yet, but that was true for every original joinery idea I came up with.  So far roughly 50% have found applications in student furniture projects. 

Stacked Sides

Each side was cut using the same vectors.  Cut inside the vectors for one half, and outside the vectors for the other half.  A -0.003" allowance was used for one side. This joint pattern can be extended for any wider width of  boards.  Done with a 3/16" diameter spiral upcut router bit.   The bit diameter was what specified the shapes and radiused corners..  From the outside the joint looks like simple interlocking fingers. 

Closed

Slid apart the secret begins to reveal itself.

Slightly Apart

When together the joint can't slide sideways or up and down.  Locked in two axes. 

Apart.

To cut the joint required clamping the boards vertically in my CNC frame.  

While the halves slip together relatively easy once glued the considerable surface area between the sides would make for a very strong joint. One option might be to make each side from a different wood. Split a table top making one half walnut and other half pecan perhaps?  

4D