Joinery

Put simply, joinery is the means by which wood is connected. This can take many forms in a home, or building, and different types of joints have different names as well as different functions and aesthetics.

The most basic of all joinery terms is the clean butt joint. This is a simple connection though accuracy of the joint must be on par for it to function appropriately. For the joint to be accurate, it is important that the boards are cut as close to square as possible. A miter saw is best used for these results, though a circular saw may also be used. To strengthen the butt joint, glue and nails or screws should be used to hold the pieces together.

Dovetail joints is another joinery term and is considered to be one of those most aesthetically pleasing. In the past, creating dovetail joints was a difficult task, but these days, with the help of dovetailing routers and jigs, they are much easier to accomplish. Dovetail joints are strong, last long and are beautiful. But sometimes, a through dovetail joint is not the most beautiful or sound way to join two pieces of wood together. As in the case of a drawer, a half blind dovetail joint would be more appropriate.

Sometimes, the type of wood being used is what decides the type of joinery that should best be applied. In the case of hardwood, dovetails are the obvious choice, but if plywood is being worked with, then box joints is the best method. The reason behind this is because if a dovetail joint is used with plywood, there is a tremendous possibility for delaminating of the plywood while fitting the cuts together.

Tools used to create these joints are becoming more and more efficient and can now create nearly the perfect seam. Depending on the species and type of wood, the furniture being made and the aesthetics desired.

Routers are a woodworker's dream tool. There are different types and they are capable of all sorts of edges that can be the mark of a quality craftsman. There are stationary routers and plunge routers. A stationary router is one that is set at a specific desired depth, and while using the tool, the router stays at that depth. While the plunger router allows for variation because it can "plunge" the bit deeper into the material, then draw it back out.

Chisels are essential tools, even if you own a dozen power tools. There are different types of chisels for various uses. The bevel-edge chisel is the most common having a blade of anywhere from 4 to 7 inches.