 We've had several request from our visitors to explain the difference between different basic joints: Finger Joint, Dovetail, Mitered, Rabbet Butt. This page is dedicated to that knowledge as well as tools used to create these joints.← This is the ultimate workshop reference ... Giving woodworkers all the knowledge they need to choose the right joint for the job. It also features step-by-step, illustrated instructions for making over 70 joints, including mortise and tenon joints, dovetails, miters and more. |
☑ THE BUTT JOINT The butt joint is the simplest and least expensive of all joints. It is considered a rather weak joint, however, they can be strengthen using TiteBond® II Glue and perhaps brads. Corner blocks can be added for some projects. A slide-lid box works well with this joint style for function and fitting. |
☑ THE MITERED JOINT Made by mitering each corner at a 45° angle. It hides the end grain and provides a larger gluing area and can be held together with nails or screws. We recommend this joint for boxes made out of woodgrain veneer. Corners can be strengthened by adding corner splines. Plywood edges can be covered with edge banding. |
 ☑ RABBET / DOUBLE RABBET BUTT JOINTThe rabbet-butt joint is stronger and more rigid than a butt joint, and is one of our most requested corner styles for crafters who plan to paint the outside of their boxes.Some of the end grain will show which can add a decorative touch. This joint is not recommended for woodgrain veneers. | |
☑ THE FINGER JOINT
The finger joint is a strong, interlocking corner joint that adds a decorative touch to our custom boxes. For boxes 5" or less in height, we recommend this joint. It is a little more difficult to make, so we used a tool called The Woodrat. Perfect joints! |
☑ THE DOVETAIL JOINT Here is a strong joint that adds a decorative touch to a custom box. These are little more labor intensive. We use our Leigh Dovetail Jig, for beautiful joints everytime. These joints have very good mechanical strength held together with water-resistant glue. |
☑ Tutorial: Build a Box Joint Jig   | |
 Featured Article:☑ Creating Splined-Miter JointsCreate a new spin on traditional splined miter joints. Just install the splines at an angle, as shown with this Maple & Walnut letter tray. The results are eye-catching! By varying the number and placement of the splines, you can come up with other designs.First, make a simple spline-cutting jig for your tablesaw. Then, mark three evenly spaced spline locations on a piece of scrap the same width as the tray side ... ▸ more info |
