10 different ways to butt joint two boards together. Brought to you by Squarespace. For 10% off your first purchase, go to:
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3:24 Through Dowel
3:47 Blind Dowel
4:23 Spline
6:35 Mitered Butt Spline
8:00 Hidden Mitered Butt Spline
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Butt joints are one of the most commonly used methods in woodworking. They are simple yet effective in joining two pieces of wood together. When done correctly, butt joints can be very strong and durable.
However, there are various techniques and methods used to create butt joints. In this article, we will discuss 10 of the best butt joint methods that every woodworker should know.
1. Basic Butt Joint:
The most straightforward method is to simply glue the edges of two pieces of wood together. This method is commonly used when the joint is not under heavy stress. It is important to ensure a tight, precise fit and properly clamp the pieces until the glue sets.
2. Pocket Hole Screws:
This method involves creating a pocket hole in one of the pieces using a special jig. The joint is then secured with screws. Pocket hole screws are fast and easy to use, making them a popular choice for joining butt joints.
3. Biscuit Joints:
Biscuit joints involve cutting a slot on both pieces of wood and inserting a biscuit, usually made of compressed wood, into the slots. The biscuit is then glued in place, creating a strong and secure joint.
4. Dowel Joints:
Dowel joints involve drilling small holes in both pieces of wood and inserting dowels into them. The dowels are typically glued in place, creating a strong and invisible joint. Dowel jigs can be used to ensure accurate hole alignment.
5. Mitered Butt Joint:
In a mitered butt joint, the ends of the pieces are cut at a 45-degree angle and joined together. This creates a clean, seamless joint, often used in picture frames and moldings. Reinforcing the joint with biscuits or dowels can increase its strength.
6. Reinforced Butt Joint:
For added strength, a reinforced butt joint method can be used. This involves using wooden splines or metal plates to strengthen the joint. The splines or plates are inserted into a groove and secured with glue.
7. Dovetail Joints:
Dovetail joints are known for their strength and durability. While they are most commonly used for joining corners, they can also be used for butt joint applications. Creating dovetail joints requires advanced woodworking skills and specialized tools.
8. Tongue and Groove:
Tongue and groove joints consist of a tongue-like projection on one piece of wood and a corresponding groove on the other. The pieces interlock, creating a strong joint. This method is commonly used for flooring, paneling, and cabinets.
9. Rabbet Joints:
Rabbet joints involve cutting a groove or recess along the edge of one piece of wood to accommodate the other piece. This method creates a clean, flush joint and is often used in cabinetry and bookshelves.
10. Cross Lap Joints:
Cross lap joints involve cutting overlapping notches on the ends of the pieces. This method creates a strong joint, especially when reinforced with dowels or screws. Cross lap joints are commonly used in construction and furniture making.
In conclusion, there are numerous butt joint methods available for woodworkers to choose from. Each method has its own strengths and applications, depending on the project requirements. By understanding and mastering these methods, woodworkers can create strong, durable, and visually appealing butt joints.
Another tip that I use if I have to use glue on end-grain is to apply a thin layer of glue to the entire end of the board. Allow it to dry for 10 minutes or so and then reapply glue again. The initial application allows the end grain to soak up glue and kind of “fills up” the wood so that the second application doesn’t soak in as much as it would if you didn’t use this method. It’s not a silver bullet solution but it’s much more effective than just using a single application of glue.
Splines are beautiful and definitely increase the strength of my picture frame mitered corners. IMO, dialing in the exact width of the blade is the most challenging part.
Love It
8:15 Hardly any wood left connecting the corner though… I mean I know there will be a spline put in, but still..
I know the video is 3yrs old, but I was curious how deep did you make the cut for the mitered butt spline?
Miter joint using two domino with glue will me the strong and nice looking joint
My butt joints always end up with a crack running down the middle. What am I doing wrong?
I'm so glad I found you. You're making it simple for this stupid. I need to make a somewhat padded headboard from offcuts, using just basic tools, a jigsaw and a drill. Arriving here gave me hope. Thank you
I need to do this…hidden dowels are it!! thank you.
what is the blue thing in #3 that is holding the piece of wood while it is being drilled?
As a total beginner, this is incredibly helpful. Answered a number of questions I have about joining two pieces of wood together.
thanks a lot bro! a huge hug for you from buenos aires – argentina
I’m addicted to pocket holes. I use them for everything.
What not two pilot holes, then two screws, no glue?
Loose or floating tenon… sounds like the domino you used.
Missed 2 of the 3 joints I use: box joint and 1/4, 1/4 joint.
Well, looks like I found a way to make a 1×6 speaker cabinet. The visible spline option looks to be doable with just hand tools.
This was interesting, but it might have been more helpful if the tools were at least named, and maybe some alternative tools for those of us who don't have a workshop fulls of fancy high-end power tools!
Excellent job. Thanks a lot.
Thanks for the quick and helpful demo. I appreciate straightforward content like this!
I'm looking for a way that will look good with plywood for a cabinet with a routered front edge.
11. L- brackets
Awesome information. Raises a lot of questions in my mind for me to research. Thank you for displaying Ol' Glory correctly.
Great video for a seat of the pants carpenter that I am….not even worthy of the word carpenter. I am named after my Uncle Dick, who was a grumpy kind of uncle. But he built his own ranch house on twenty acres, was an at home gunsmith, fishing fly smith, and made his own furniture. He was a civil engineer by trade. I admire him a lot. I inherited many of his furniture projects….and when I need something similar I try to copy his method. For the tall cabinet I am making, I am using lap joints alont the long vertical joint faces. It looks like two Ls, a fat one and a skinny one jointed together along a long edge. I hope I can copy his method, because it is beautiful now, 80 years after he made his cabinet.
DIY Sliding Crosscut Table. The Holy Grail of Tablesaw Accessories
https://youtu.be/Svji38dVOcg
Nice video. Pocket hole wasn’t very strong in that set up. Should screw into the base material so the angle of the screws face the middle of the lumber not the end. Yes that makes the ugly pocket holes on the outside. But it’s stronger.
Thanks for sharing this. Some I already knew but some were new to me. I was still waiting for the test… Which join method won over the other and which one is the strongest?
Cool Joining tips. Quick and easy. Thanks
Great video thanks for sharing
safety is your own responsibility! I 100% agree, most lawyers would not…
which works better and is more accurate, miters on the table saw or miter saw? does it matter? is one easier to get accurate results?
Are the last two actually butt joints? Once you’ve mitered the end of it, it’s not butt joint anymore is it?
Well done! I love the 'handsaw' guide for your table saw!
Quick refreshing video, are you a teacher?