Introduction To Joints

Picking the right joint to use comes from knowing the strength and weakness inherit in the joint itself.  A good, strong joint is a obvious mark of a fine piece of workmanship.

About Joints

There are many ways of fastening pieces of wood together, some are purely functional such as butt joints, while others such as dovetails are functional as well as decorative. To add additional strength or appeal two or more types of joints are often combined such as splined miter joints when making picture frames.

Types of Wood Joints

Rather than using nails or screws, wood joints offer a much more attractive and secure method of joining two pieces of wood together. They’re used in furniture or in fittings found in a home. With furniture, using joints prevents separation of the pieces of wood which is important if the furniture is used regularly.

Woodworking Joints

Joinery is the aesthetic mark of fine craftsmanship. Without strong, beautiful joints connecting two pieces of wood together, furniture, toys, and other crafts would be produced from single pieces of wood. Once the woodworking  joint types below have been fully understood and mastered, they can be applied to a multiple variety of projects, to make strong, attractively crafted material.

Woodworking Joinery Basics

Joinery, the foundation of woodworking, is a subtle blend of art and engineering. Whether the product is a simple tabletop or an ornate chest, its joinery will establish its worth: Strong joints will give it longevity, and their design and craftsmanship will enhance its beauty.

Woodworking Joinery Form And Function

Ideally, joinery should achieve a balance between form and function. Each joint must complement the overall design of a piece while resisting the stresses to which it will be subjected.

Woodworking Joints Guide

Wood joints are used in everything from furniture making to home building. Attaching two pieces of wood (sometimes called joinery) can be as much art as it is engineering. Different jobs require different wood joints-there are many ways to provide varying amounts of strength and style.

Which Ones Should You Use?

There are various woodworking joints in use. Some are stronger than others are. Let's discuss the more popular joints, so you know which to use for your project.