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WOOD WORK JOINTS
Wood work joint is a term used to describe the close securing or fastening together of two or more smooth, even surfaces
There are different types of joints that can be used in woodwork, but the kind of joint to select for each kind of construction depends to some extend on the need for:
- The strength
- The appearance
- The difficulty of fabrication
- The equipment available
The following are eight common used joints in woodwork
- Edge joint
- Butt joint
- Rabbet joint
- Dado joint
- Miter joint
- Lap joint
- Mortise and Tenon joint
- Dovetail joint
Butt joint
Used for simple boxes, cases, cheap drawers, frames and chairs.
Very weak joint
Rabbet joint
A cut or groove along or near the edge of a piece of wood that allows another piece to fit into it to form a joint. L-shaped groove cut across the edge or end of one piece.
For simple boxes, cases, cheap drawers, frames and chairs. It is usually reinforced with screws or nails. Rabbet joints are easy to make and moderately strong. They are used chiefly for boxes, drawers, shelving and at the corners of cabinet pieces. Rabbet joints are sometimes made with a dado variation
Dado joint
Is a groove cut across the grain. Typically used in making book shelves, drawers, steps, and book cases. This is a strong joint. In very old furniture, a dovetail dado joint is a real work of art because of the time the cabinetmaker had to spend to cut it.
Miter joint
The joining pieces are cut at a 45-degree angle and joined to form a right angle. Miters are used for decorative molding and for frames. They are very weak and are often reinforced with dowels, spline, or mechanical fasteners.
Lap joints
Lap joints are really a large group of joints in which one side laps over the other.A cross-lap joint joins two pieces with flush faces.The pieces may cross at any angle.Cutting dadoes of equal width and depth on the two pieces so that the face surfaces are flush when they are assembled makes the joint.Used for legs of furniture, doors, furniture frames and braces. This joint is strong.
Mortise and Tenon joint
Mortise and tenon joint is one of the most common joints used for joining the rails and legs of tables, chairs and other type of furniture. The tenon is the part that fits into the mortise.A glue is applied before the joint is pushed together. Clamps are used to hold the joint firmly together, usually for twenty-four hours.
The Dovetail Joint
Dove tail joint is very strong because of the way the tails and pins are shaped. This makes it difficult to pull the joint apart and virtually impossible when glue is added. This type of joint is used in box constructions such as draws, jewellery boxes, cabinets and other pieces of furniture where strength is required.
There are different types of dovetail joint and when cut accurately they are very impressive and attractive.
Finger joint
It is ideal for box constructions and is suitable for use with natural woods such as pine and mahogany or even manmade boards such as plywood and MDF. The joint is strong especially when used with a good quality glue.