Thread: What joints should I use ?

Sorry, tenons are really the only way to go. They are heaps stronger than biscuits or dowels and are in fact easier to do than getting dowels to line up properly (IMO)

Thanks for the encouragement Bob but I am concerned that another Mortice at these junctions of the uprights are going to weaken the structure.
What do you think about tenoning into a block and then screwing the block to the existing crossrail?

I would agree with Bob, tenons are the way to go. I see your point about weakening the rails, but I don't agree. If you are very concerned try twin-tenons, perhaps haunching the outers, but I personally would go with standard tenons here.

Having said that, dowels would probably do the job, but would be my second choice. Don't touch biscuits for this use (IMHO).

Cheers,

I'm not sure why tenons can be a problem, but... from your picture I cannot make up the sizes, and dont even understand the two lower cross sections where do they go, the picture is blurry or I need new glasses.

So if you think tenons are a problem, go dowels.
Two large dowels, not too much thinner than the rail itself deep in the rail, properly glued with cross link glue is as strong as a tenon.

Nice project by the way.
Good chipping.

A properly formed tenon should not make the timber weaker than the original. I personally don't like dowels as they never seem to line up accurately for me; whilst with rocker's mortice and tenon jigs I can get very accurate joints indeed.

I agree with Bob.
the wood wont be weakened by the mortices as the tenons will fill the gap keeping it's strength.

Jow,

Not sure if it's available in your area but consider a beadlock joint:

www.beadlock.com
http://www.onlinetoolreviews.com/reviews/beadlock.htm

It's not the mark of a master crafstmen but it's better than biscuits or dowels.

Please purists, dont jump on me!? I'm just offering an option other than M&T.

Thanks all, I see the point re M/T if they fill the gap strength is reinstated, I am coming to the crunch point later today re this part, and might even put the m/ts into a block which glues and screws on to the uprights.

OK I have started the project, no details plans, just using photographs taken from the web site of the gateleg table.
I have indicated on the photograph each piece with an identifing letter and made up a cutting list.
All pieces prepared on triton workcentre and then put through the P/T.
End leg sections now all cut and jointed with M/T's.

Photograph of one section attached.

Now comes decision time regarding the cross pieces.

Will post another set of pics if anyone interested in the progress of this project.

Both end upright frames prepared as per pic attached

Trouble


Had to recut two of the shoulders but now OK

Work now stopped for the day,delivery man just arrived with my new pull mitre crosscut saw.

Saw arrived from a local suppler Axminster Tool Co. Having a problem setting up for a perfect 90o cut though. The fence has some restriction because machined holes are not satisfactory. (far east problems again)

Extra blade included very nice though, 60 tooth CMT. (blade fitted was an 80 tooth but does not appear truly flat!!!

So have another decision time to make today (I am considering fitting a long fence and bench for the saw) or might put on a spelch plate.

Originally Posted by jow104

might put on a spelch plate.

What the hell is a spelch plate?