From DIYinfo.org
Common Timber Joints used in the Furniture & Building Industries
The methods currently used to join timber together are the results of both historical and technological development. In some cases timber joints have changed little over the centuries other than to have their production methods mechanised. On the other hand, some timber joints have been modified to suit technological changes, new trends in carpentry, or to save time and labour.
The strength of timber joints depends on three factors:
- the size of the gluing area,
- the way in which one piece of timber encases the other,
- and the accuracy of the finished work.
A strong timber joint is one in which one component encases the other in such a way as to ensure a large gluing area without either component being unduly weakened.
For building hardwood or softwood frames or repairing damaged timber around the house, a practical knowledge of what types and how to construct timber joints is a real asset. So by understanding that timber joints may be divided into four main groups according to their functions and by following the fact sheets below we hope to explain what these joints are used for and how to construct them.
[edit] The four main groups of timber joints are:
Angle Or Cross Timber Joints -
Angle or cross joints are used for joining timbers not in the same straight line; examples of these are Lapped Joints, Housing Joints, Mortise and tenon, and Dovetailed. In this article we show and explain all the different types and combinations of the different joints mentioned... Read More
Widening Timber Joints -
Widening joints are used for increasing the width of boards in the same plane by joining narrow boards edge to edge. In this article we show and explain all the different types and combinations of the widening joint... Read More
Lengthening Timber Joints -
The fixing together of two or more pieces of timber end to end to increase the total length.In this article we show and explain all the different types and combinations of lengthening joints... Read More
Hinging And Shutting Timber Joints -
The closing together of components (ie double or french doors) in furniture, joinery and carpentry form a joint which can be regarded as air tight, dust proof or water tight, these are known as hinging and shutting joints. In this article we show and explain all the different types and combinations... Read More
[edit] How to construct the four main groups of timber joints
Constructing Dovetail Joints -
In this article we show and explain the step by step method of how to construct Dovetail Joints Read More
Constructing Halving Joints -
In this article we show and explain the step by step method of how to construct Halving Joints Read More
Constructing Mitre Joints -
In this article we show and explain the step by step method of how to construct Mitre Joints Read More
Constructing Mortice And Tenon Joints -
In this article we show and explain the step by step method of how to Constructing Mortice And Tenon Joints Read More
[edit] See also
- Glues, Adhesives, Sealants And Gap Fillers - For information on how to patch up any holes, crevases, or increase the joints strength
- Wood Finishes - For information on how to finish your joints
