Forget Mortise and Tenons… THIS joint is better

The video “Forget Mortise and Tenons… THIS joint is better” is by Scott Walsh. In this engaging video, Scott delves into the world of woodworking joints, evaluating the strength of various common joinery methods using tools readily available in most workshops.

The Basics of Joinery

Scott begins by emphasizing the importance of selecting the right joint for the job, unlike dominoes and dowels that are more versatile. He focuses first on joints useful for connecting two pieces of wood at right angles, ideal for tasks like joining a table leg to an apron or constructing picture frames.

The Miter Joint

Miters are highlighted for their aesthetic appeal, especially when you want the grain to flow seamlessly around the joint. Scott points out that while they look great, achieving a good miter requires precision and tools like a dedicated miter sled.

Despite the common belief that miters, being mainly end grain, aren’t strong, Scott references Patrick Sullivan’s work, which challenges this notion. He demonstrates that miters, when tested, show a surprising strength, scoring 187 lb compared to a butt joint’s 79 lb.

Miter joint strength test

Adding a Spline

For those seeking additional strength, Scott suggests adding a spline to the miter joint. This involves a straightforward process using a table saw and a jig. Although the spline miter showed increased strength at 271 lb, it didn’t provide the dramatic break Scott anticipated.

Spline miter joint preparation

The Mortise and Tenon

Scott moves on to discuss the mortise and tenon, a classic joinery method known for its strength. He outlines the process of creating this joint using a plunge router and table saw. While more labor-intensive, the mortise and tenon joint proved robust, averaging 335 lb in strength tests.

Mortise and tenon joint assembly

The Half Lap

Next, Scott examines the half lap joint, which he describes as versatile and straightforward to create on a table saw. The half lap joint exceeded expectations, averaging 509 lb, surpassing even the mortise and tenon in strength.

Half lap joint preparation

The Bridal Joint

Finally, Scott introduces the bridal joint, a combination of the mortise and tenon and the half lap. This joint, which was slightly stronger than the half lap at 542 lb, offers twice the glue surface area and is easier to construct than the mortise and tenon.

Bridal joint strength test

Conclusion

Scott concludes by acknowledging the multitude of joints he didn’t cover, encouraging woodworkers to experiment with different types to find what works best for them. The tests reveal that while traditional joints like mortise and tenon are strong, simpler joints like the half lap can offer comparable, if not superior, strength with less effort.

Video

 

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