Carcase joints

Joints used in carcase or angled and corner joint construction

1. Carcase Joints

2. Rebate Joint The rebate joint is a very similar woodwork joint to the butt joint but the big difference between the two is that one of the ends of the timber has a groove cut out of it to create much better holding strength. If more strength is still required you can also add nails, screws and dowel to the joint just like you would on a butt joint but no timber blocks should be needed in the corner because the rebate joint already has a large surface for adhesives to be applied.

3. Shoulder/lapped/rebate The advantage that the shoulder joint has over the butt joint is its strength as the rebate provides a much greater fixing area and, once glued, forms a solid corner. The lapped joint does have a few small disadvantages however in that the grains of one of the joining timber sections will be visible but if you are using a good quality timber then the end grains can actually be made into a feature if cut carefully.

4. Housing joint Housing joints are used when two pieces meet at right angles on their narrow face. A shallow trench is cut across the grain of the vertical member, the shelf or panel is then glued into a simple straightforward housing and all the loads are transferred to the sides of the unit. Pins can further strengthen the joint . Used for fixing shelves and partitions into cabinets and book-cases.

5. Types of housing joint Through Stopped Rebate tongue & groove

6. Finger joint The finger joint is ideal for box constructions and is suitable for use with natural woods such as pine and mahogany or even manmade boards such as plywood and MDF. The joint is strong especially when used with a good quality glue.

7. Finger joint If the joint is cut accurately the ‘fingers should fit together without any gaps and the glue ensures that they are virtually indestructible. They are used for a wide range of products including jewellery boxes, cabinet construction, kitchen cupboards and many others.

8. Dovetail joint The Dovetail Joint is very strong because of the way the ‘tails’ and ‘pins’ are shaped. This makes it difficult to pull the joint apart and virtually impossible when glue is added. This type of joint is used in box constructions such as draws, jewellry boxes, cabinets and other pieces of furniture where strength is required.

9. Dovetail joint It is a difficult joint which requires practice. There are different types of dovetail joint and when cut accurately they are very impressive and attractive.