On Mon, 2 Sep 2013 06:16:44 +0100, harryagain wrote:

If this is for house construction the usual method is to use metal
joints/connectors which are nailed and far far stronger.

Only because any monkey can wield a hammer but it takes time and a
bit of skill to cut, accurate, tight fitting notches. I'd be inclined
to notch both bits of timber half the required depth than notch just
one the full depth though.

--
Cheers
Dave.