Best way to make this cut?

[Randy C]

I have a 4" by 4" post that I want to cut out a groove through the end of the post such that a 2"by 4" will fit into the groove.,groove to be centered in the end of the post. 

Any ideas as to the best way to make this cut?

Thanks

[jteneyck]

A bandsaw to cut the cheeks.  Then a little cleanup at the bottom with a chisel.

John

[Dennis Puskar]

Probably a Bandsaw would be the easiest.

[Cooler]

If you don't have a band saw you can use a drill press to bore 1-1/2" diameter overlapping holes and then clean that up with a chisel.

[YSU65]

Hand saw then chisel.

[Steve N]

Bridal joint what you're looking for? Typical is illustrated below, but you can do it with the whole 2x4 centered into the 4x4. Stronger when pinned through. Cutting is easy with either a bandsaw, or a hand saw, and chopping the line with a chisel. First half way through, then flip the board and finish going through the other half keeps from getting blow out. Touch up with any number of tools, files, sharp knife, sand paper on a thin wooden block....... Work a little, try for fit, work a little, try for fit, until it's right. The work will go quicker than you think it might with hand tools, and they will help you down the road on fitting, and finishing a lot of projects.