Woods - Joints

Question 1

Describe a butt joint

Answer 1

The simplest method of joining wood. It uses an adhesive to hold the pieces together. Not good for when pressure is being applied perpendicular to the joint

Question 2

Describe a dowel joint

Answer 2

Small pegs put into the side of a piece of wood. This provides greater gluing area and therefore greater strength. Dowel pins provide a hidden finish.

Question 3

Describe a comb joint

Answer 3

Alternating patter cut into each piece of wood. Very strong. Looks attractive but is hard to hand make.

Question 4

Describe a dovetail joint

Answer 4

A traditional interlocking wedge shaped joint. Very strong for when forces is applied as the pieces cannot slide.

Question 5

Describe a mortise and tenon joint

Answer 5

Often used to make heavy duty construction frames. A mortise is cut into one piece of wood while a tenon is cut out. The two pieces slot together.

Question 6

Describe a housing joint

Answer 6

Often used to make shelving. A horizontal groove is cut into a piece of wood which the other piece slots into.

Question 7

Describe a half lap joint

Answer 7

A step is cut into each piece of wood that lap over each other.