The type of woodworking project you have in mind will determine the type of carpentry joints you use. The following article will help you decide on the appropriate woodwork joint to use.
These following woodwork joints differ in their styles but all have the ultimate purpose of making a strong and stable woodwork piece.
Biscuit
1. Square Butt Joint.
This joint also known simply as a butt joint is the most basic type of carpentry joints. It is the simplest way of joining two pieces of wood using just glue and sometimes the addition of screws or pins. This joints advantage is that it is easy to make. It has the disadvantage though of being one of the weakest joints.
2. Mitre Joint.
This joint is created by sawing a 45° angle on both parts of the two ends to be joined to form a 90 degree angle corner. This is more often used in making picture frames than butt joints. This is a popular method of joining, although it requires accurate cutting to achieve its best strength and visual appeal.
3. Mortise-and-Tenon Joint.
A good strong carpentry joint with many different uses. A rectangular projection from the end of one piece called the tenon fits snugly into the mortise cut in the second piece. The mortise can be cut by hand but a much quicker and probably more accurate way is to use a mortising bit in a pillar drill. This strong and traditional joint can be made even stronger by adding a peg.
4. Tongue-and-Groove Joint.
This type of carpentry joint also goes by the name of a finger joint. It is commonly used on floors and paneling as it allows for wood shrinkage. Usually the two cuts needed to make this joint are cut with a high speed router.
5. Dovetail Joint.
One of the best looking carpentry joints out there, in my humble opinion. Also one that needs additional patience to make and more accuracy with the cuts. Although a jig can be obtained for the purpose of the cutting and in combination with a router the joint can be made with relative ease. As well as being a good looking joint the dovetail is also one of the strongest.
These are some of the most common carpentry joints and most widely used. There are many others that can be used in different situations. A little practice getting to grips with these 5 joints and you will have a joint for most projects you take on.
Carpentry Joints - 5 Joints For All Purposes
When I started woodworking I would fly by the seat of my pants and work on the joints as needed, that wasn't a good strategy. Don't make the mistakes I made, take a little time to practice these carpentry joints, they will serve you well. Another great little secret to professional quality finished jobs is to work from plans. There are 1000's of plans available at http://www.woodworkingplansonline.info
