A guide to a few Advanced timber joinery Techniques
There are many types of joinery techniques that are rarely used due to they take a little more effort than others, or because they are "challenging." These joints may provide additional strength, additional design aesthetics and additional marks in a major project. So we as woodworkers should definitely never rule them
out of our projects.
out of our projects.
Butterfly Joints
Also known as a double dovetail joint, the butterfly key joint serves to strengthen widening joints by creating additional surface area within the joint. If it is cut to a contrasting timber, the key clearly adds a decorative element.
There are several ways in which this joint could be made but the most simple is to use a table saw for the “key” and an appropriate router piece for the keys recesses.
There are several ways in which this joint could be made but the most simple is to use a table saw for the “key” and an appropriate router piece for the keys recesses.
Spline Joints
A spline joint is not necessarily a joint in itself, however it is an addition to the regular joints. Not much more difficult or time consuming, a spline however adds additional strength to a joint due to the joint now having an extra element of surface area within the joint, and when using a contrasting timber can add an extra design element to the project.
Below is a common example of how a mitre spline can spice up a simple plain timber box or a decorative wooden clock display.
Below is a common example of how a mitre spline can spice up a simple plain timber box or a decorative wooden clock display.
Interlocking Tenon joint
As seen below the interlocking tenon joint is a rare joint and special joint. It consists of three pieces of timer coming together at a four way intersection. The two top pieces are similar to a more technical cross halving joint, but is actually a two piece mortice that then joins together to the four pronged tenon. This joint requires fine skill and an extensive range of tools and time to create it perfectly.
However long this joinery design piece takes however, it is certainly worth the design aspects that can be seen at the end.
However long this joinery design piece takes however, it is certainly worth the design aspects that can be seen at the end.
Traditional Japanese joinery
Unlike inorganic materials such as brick or stone, timber retains a warmth that is a reminder it was once a living thing. Japanese craftsmen see timber as having a soul, inspiring a sense of reverence that still surrounds traditional methods of joinery in Japan.
Despite the modernisation of the technology industry, a majority of Japanese wood craftsmen still practice their trade with practically only hand tools that have been unchanged for centuries.
Only very careful and complete diligence and respect for the hand tools used can produce these elaborate and precise Japanese joinery techniques below.
Despite the modernisation of the technology industry, a majority of Japanese wood craftsmen still practice their trade with practically only hand tools that have been unchanged for centuries.
Only very careful and complete diligence and respect for the hand tools used can produce these elaborate and precise Japanese joinery techniques below.