Originally Posted by ModelShipwright
Hi Viking,
There's two joints that I know of...which one do you mean:
1 (I think this is the "t" joint you mean) is used often to join deck beams to the beam-shelf or carlings to the beams. Cut like a dovetail on the end of the beam, and a corresponding hole cut in the beam shelf. I will try to find some pics...some model shipwrights do them...if they're hard to cut on a real boat, imagine doing one 2mm across!
2 The other one is used as a corner joint in deck structure - hatch coamings, box benches, etc...this is like a large single dovetail to hold the 2 adjoining faces together at 90 degrees. It's purpose was that if any water got into the joint, it would not have a flat surface to pool in, and would always flow outwards from the fitting. I have pics of this, but for a great example, get down to Sydney and onto the James Craig...they did lovely ones on all deck furniture joints. Inspiring and depressing at the same time! :) :(
Let me know which one, and I'll look up and scan some pics for you in the meantime. And congrats on giving one a go...they are tricky joints but fantastic when you get them right (as you've seen!).
Regards,
Darren