ZIMSEC O Level · Wood Technology and Design · Form 1, Form 2, Form 3
Joints join pieces of wood. Choose a joint for its strength, appearance, use and the skill and tools available.
Common joints
- Butt joint: simplest; weak unless reinforced with nails, screws or dowels.
- Housing joint: one piece fits into a groove across another (shelves).
- Halving joint (cross, corner and tee halvings): half the thickness removed from each piece (frames).
- Bridle joint: strong frame corners (mirror and picture frames, door frames).
- Mortise and tenon: very strong; used in tables, chairs and doors.
- Dovetail joint: strong in one direction and decorative (drawers and boxes).
- Dowel joint: dowels and glue (cabinets and boards).
- Edge joints: rubbed joint, tongue and groove (widening boards, floors).
Knock-down fittings
Used in flat-pack furniture: cam fittings, block joints and screws. They allow furniture to be taken apart.
Making joints accurately
Mark out with a try square, gauge and knife; cut on the waste side of the line; test the fit before gluing.
Exam tip: Draw joints as clear pictorial sketches with the parts slightly apart (exploded) – examiners award marks for clarity.
Check yourself
- Which joint is commonly used for drawers?
- Name a joint suitable for the legs and rails of a table.
- Why should you saw on the waste side of the line?
Show answers
- The dovetail joint.
- The mortise and tenon joint.
- So the finished piece keeps its correct size and the joint fits tightly.
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