Construction Methods

xxxxxJoinery makes or breaks a project. Generally, the more difficult the joint, the stronger it is. That's why woodworkers decide on the which joints they will use early on in the planning stages. Here's a sampling of popular joints, some simple, some more difficult than others. To find out more about various wood joints check the following site.

http://www.am-wood.com/joints/joints.html

Butt Joint

A simple joining of two pieces of wood, either at a corner or edge to edge. Make it stronger by using glue blocks or screws.

Dado Joint

You see this common wood joint on bookcase shelves. A dado is cut in one piece and receives the end of the other board.

Dowel Joint

Drill aligning holes in each piece of wood, then glue dowels in place for a tight joint. Perfection requires a centering tool.

 

Lap Joint

Add gluing surface and strength to a butt joint by cutting a rabbet in the overlapping piece.

Miter Joint

Create this corner joint by sawing one end of each piece to a 45 degree angle. The miter demands accurate cutting.

Mortise and Tenon Joint

A strong, traditional joint that can be made even tougher by adding a peg. Not all mortises go all the way through.

Dovetail Joint

There's not a better-looking joint, nor one that requires more patience and accuracy to cut. The interlocking feature makes it really strong, but adds visual interest.

This joint allows for wood shrinkage. Cut a groove in the edge of one piece and a tongue on the other in order to fit into the groove.

To find out more about various wood joints check out the following sites.

http://www.am-wood.com/joints/joints.html

http://sawdustmaking.com

Fine Woodworking.com

Are You Still Lost?

xxxxxIf you need some help with various wood terms go toWoodZone.com's Glossary of Woodworking Terms. Select the first letter of the word from the list and jump to the appropriate section of the glossary http://www.woodzone.com/encyclopedia.htm

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