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The Hinoki File

Woods, joints and old houses, kept on file

JT 4 records · Latest record

Joints & Assembly

How wood meets wood, and stays honest

JT-001JT-002JT-003

Two long beam ends meeting in an interlocking stepped zigzag splice on a carpenter bench, pencil marks and a chisel laid beside the joint.
Plate JT-001 Two long beam ends meeting in an interlocking stepped zigzag splice on a carpenter bench, pencil marks and a chisel laid beside the joint.

The tally of the slice

4The rack
  1. Two long beam ends meeting in an interlocking stepped zigzag splice on a carpenter bench, pencil marks and a chisel laid beside the joint.
    JT-001

    Kanawa-tsugi: the long splice

    Explains what the kanawa-tsugi splice does and when to choose it over a simple scarf.

    Particulars
    Joints & Assembly · 563 words · 2 sources
    Caveat
    this record cites only en.wikipedia.org, fpl.fs.usda.gov

  2. A square mortise and tenon frame corner clamped on a bench with a wooden peg driven through it, a mallet and a brace and bit beside it.
    JT-002

    The mortise and tenon without glue

    Explains how glue-free joinery works and when a peg or wedge replaces adhesive.

    Particulars
    Joints & Assembly · 640 words · 2 sources
    Caveat
    this record cites only fpl.fs.usda.gov, en.wikipedia.org

  3. A wide tabletop board with a narrow gap between frame and panel visible, a finger-width groove along the edge, morning light raking the surface.
    JT-003

    Wood that moves by design

    Explains seasonal wood movement and how good joinery leaves room for it.

    Particulars
    Joints & Assembly · 576 words · 2 sources
    Caveat
    this record cites only fpl.fs.usda.gov, wood-database.com

  4. A close view of a through-tenon end with a dark walnut wedge driven into its saw kerf, the wedge end flush, on a pale workbench.
    JT-004

    Wedges that tighten the joint

    Explains how wedged joints work and what a healthy wedge looks like in place.

    Particulars
    Joints & Assembly · 601 words · 2 sources
    Caveat
    ditto JT-001