The Complete Guide to Joint-Making

Synopsis

Joint-making - a top priority for woodworkers! Woodworkers have plenty to cheer about with The Complete Guide to Joint-Making. This comprehensive and practical book demystifies the all-important subject of choosing, designing, and cutting woodworking joints. It's packed with insightful information and tricks of the trade that will advance the work of novices and seasoned craftsmen alike.

The litmus test for woodworkers. Strong, appropriate, and well-fitting joints are one of the hallmarks of the skilled woodworker. Making them properly requires intelligent planning, accurate layout, and a sufficient degree of care in cutting, fitting, and final assembly.

A methodical approach that pays off. That's the approach author John Bullar pursues in this essential guide. He walks readers through choosing the appropriate joint for its intended purpose and continues methodically through constructing and finally assembling the finished pieces. He also covers lumber selection, tools, and adhesives, and offers recommendations for the working methods and habits that are needed to achieve consistently good results.

Techniques for hand tools and machines. The Complete Guide to Joint-Making explains in detail the traditional hand techniques that are the foundation of woodworking. Plus, the section on machine-made joints covers every power tool needed for joints, including how to get the best results from a biscuit jointer, a router, and other power tools.

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction to Joint-Making

This chapter introduces the concept of joint-making, explains its importance in woodworking, and discusses the different types of joints.

Example: A simple butt joint, where two pieces of wood are placed end-to-end and glued together.

Chapter 2: Mortise and Tenon Joint

This chapter details the steps involved in creating a mortise and tenon joint, one of the most common and versatile joints in woodworking.

Example: A bookcase with mortise and tenon joints connecting the shelves to the sides.

Chapter 3: Dovetail Joint

This chapter explains how to create a dovetail joint, a strong and decorative joint often used in furniture making.

Example: A drawer with dovetail joints to hold the sides and front together.

Chapter 4: Lap Joint

This chapter covers lap joints, which are simple and commonly used for joining pieces of wood at right angles.

Example: A picture frame with lap joints to connect the corners.

Chapter 5: Dowel Joint

This chapter describes how to create dowel joints, which use cylindrical dowels to reinforce and align pieces of wood.

Example: A chair leg with dowel joints to attach the legs to the seat.

Chapter 6: Pocket Hole Joint

This chapter introduces pocket hole joints, which are created using a specialized drill to make angled holes for screws.

Example: A shelf attached to a wall using pocket hole joints.

Chapter 7: Biscuits and Plates

This chapter discusses the use of biscuits and plates, which are prefabricated wooden or metal connectors that reinforce and align joints.

Example: A cabinet door with biscuit joints to join the panels together.

Chapter 8: Specialty Joints

This chapter covers more specialized joints, such as box joints, finger joints, and splines.

Example: A box with finger joints to create strong and decorative corners.

Chapter 9: Joint Design Considerations

This chapter explores the factors to consider when choosing and designing joints, including the strength, appearance, and intended use.

Chapter 10: Advanced Joint-Making Techniques

This chapter provides tips and techniques for advanced joint-making, such as using jigs and templates to ensure accuracy and repeatability.