The Ultimate Joint?

Overkill! :^)

-- Eric at http://adventuresinwoodworking.com

I seem to remember an article (I think FWW) where they tested MT joints to failure and they found that a pinned MT joint failed earlier than ones that were not pinned. I’ll try and find the article for your reference.

-- ...it's rennovation time!!!

Two of the biggest factors I think determine the stongest joint depends on a couple of factors. The application and the amount of stock removal.
A standard drawer with equally sized pins and tails should be stronger than a more decoraitive drawer with tiny pins. IMHO any joint that removes equal stock removal from each piece will be stronger than a joint that removes more from one than the other, clear as mud?
However, this again depends on the application. Would I use a dovetail joint on a bookcase top? Probably not if I was looking for shear strengh and this is where I think a simple butt joint may be strongest.

I guess it just really all depends. I also seem to remember FWW getting a lot of responses on that article as well. Go figure as I think joinery in woodworking can be like talking about politics or religion, lol

RJ

-- http://rjoneswoodworks.com/

And if you’ve never seen the YouTube video that shows joint testing, it’s pretty awesome.

-- Eric at http://adventuresinwoodworking.com

Here is a link to that video that is very interesting.

-- Kyle Shipp, http://battleshipp.blogspot.com

Thanks, very cool

-- http://newmissionworkshop.com

You mean like this?

-- Check out my new website! http://www.blakeweberwoodworking.com

That’s a very nice lil box!!

I like that joint… nice touch!

Thank you.

-- Have Fun! Joe Lyddon - Alta Loma, CA USA - Home: http://www.WoodworkStuff.net ... My Small Gallery: http://www.ncwoodworker.net/pp/showgallery.php?ppuser=1389&cat=500"

Yeah, like that! Nice little project there….

-- http://newmissionworkshop.com

Hey now that looks familier:) Yeah what Blake mentioned. Not very creative of me but it’s functional

Below is a pic of a toy chest I built with different size dovetails. Probably not as strong but much more pleasant on the eye.

The whole thought of balancing stock removal in a joint regardless of what type was mentioned to me in class I took with Graham Blackburn:) Kinda made sense so..

-- http://rjoneswoodworks.com/

RJ,

When it comes to dovetails, it turns out that skinny pins (or unbalanced) is stronger than same size pins and tails. This was tested by Finewoodworking people in the same article mentioned by another LJ. I only use skinny pins, even for case work, and they are incredibly strong if you do them right. This is probably one of the biggest misconceptions about dovetails out there (Frank Klaus is of your opinion but I tend to trust scientific measurements more).

Patrick, I think the dovetail joint FWW people tested failed at about 2000lb or force (3” joined with 3” in 3/4 material, maple). Now, if I would have to put my car on the joint I would consider strengthening it but I usually do not. Also, FWW measured the effect of a dowel through a mortise and tenon and the joint weakened (as mentioned in another post). That probably indicates that the dovetail or finger joint would weaken as well.

-- -- Alin Dobra, Gainesville, Florida

I agree with RJones in the politics/religion aspect of this topic. I build Craftsman furniture and I know I can build 4 tables that you could park a Peterbuilt on if you wanted to. If you watch the video provided, yes, the MT joints fail, but the strength in the piece is not in that joint but rather the size of the leg, thickness of the top, and support of the top. The joint failure would be in a stretcher, which would never be subject to such a force. Even if it were, how much over a thousand pounds a square inch do you need to shoot for? Especially in a small box? bbqKing

-- bbqKing, Lawrenceville

i dont see why you would need such a joint

a simple dovetail should be good enough

i agree with alin, the skinny pins and larger tails are stronger than equal pins and tails. and kshipp i just watched that joint strength video and it is very interesting.

Alin,
I was unaware of those tests but have since taking a quick look. I am still not convinced that a narrow dovetail is stronger but I will need to read the article closer to comment further. My first first look at the article suggests that the angle has more to do with strength than the size but again I need to actually read the article. Thanks for the heads up on the article it sounds pretty interesting.

RJ

-- http://rjoneswoodworks.com/