Halving Joint

The halving joint is mainly used in framework and is moderately difficult to construct because it consist of two channels that interlock and are bonded together with adhesives and sometimes a nail or screw is added for extra strength.

This type of woodwork joint is very useful for supporting or increasing the strength of two pieces of timber instead of just simply nailing or screwing them together.

It consists of two pieces of timber that have two channels cut half the thickness of both pieces of timber to produce a flush interlocking joint which allows the two pieces of wood to pass through each other.

This joint can be made at both ends of the timber, in the middle or at the end and the middle depending on the design and what it is needed for.

Step 1: First you need two pieces of timber and on the first piece you mark two lines which are going to be spaced out as far as the thickness of your second piece of timber.

Step 2: The next thing you do is repeat step 1 on your second piece of timber so that the lines you mark out are as wide as the first piece of timber. Once all lines are marked out you will notice that the timber should interlock once the joint has been cut.

Step 3: Cut along all of the lines with either a tenon saw or a table saw although a circular saw can be used. Make sure to only cut half the thickness of the timber because if you cut deeper or not deep enough your two pieces of timber will not sit flush.

Step 4: Once you have made your cuts you now remove the excess timber with a hammer and chisel which should leave you with a tight and flush interlocking joint.

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Butt Joint

The butt joint is the most basic and simple joint to construct because it is made with only two pieces of timber that are butted together at the ends, this also means that the joint isn't very strong in fact it is the weakest joint that is used in woodwork but it is also the easiest to make.

This joint is held together with glue, nails, screws or dowel but can also be secured with ca combination of methods to greatly increase its strength and aesthetics.

Because the butt joint is so weak and not very aesthetically pleasing it is only used in basic woodwork projects. The strength of this woodwork joint can be greatly increased by adding a rectangular or triangular block of wood in the corner to increase the surface area where adhesives are applied.

Step 1: The butt joint is very simple to make and you start by measuring out the lengths you want you timber to be and then using a try square mark a straight line across the timber where you are going to cut it.

Step 2: Now cut your timber at the line you have marked and repeat steps 1 and 2 on you next piece of timber.
You can either use a hand saw such as a tension saw to cut you timber or you can use a drop saw.  If you are securing the joint together with pieces of dowel drill the holes accurately now before you begin step 4.

Step 3: Secure your first piece of timber in a vice or to the side of a bench with clamps but keep the top flush with the rest of the bench.

Step 4: Apply some glue to the top of the secured timber and then place you next piece of timber directly over your first piece making sure to line up the edges.  Now clamp up the joint or hammer in some nails or add some screws.

Step 5: Now check to see if you're joint is square and leave it to dry.  If you are putting nails or screws in the joint check it is square before you use them.

Step 6: Optional: You can strengthen your butt joint by securing a square or triangle block of wood to the inside of the joint which also helps to prevent movement. 

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