Machine, joints and finishing

Carpentry joints are ways of connecting parts to each other. A joint is simple or complex depending on the item’s material, its purpose and the quality expected. The main methods: butt joints, straight finger (tenon) joints (single or multiple), mitre joints, rebated joints, seam joints and dovetail joints. The butt joint is the simplest: it is used in building, in wooden parts of greenhouses and in plain covering frames; parts are fixed in an L or T shape with nails, screws, bolts or hooks. Joints are divided into separable and permanent kinds. For a strong joint, nails, wooden pegs, screws, corner brackets, insert plates and bolts with nuts are used. Wood screws are used for fitting door and window hinges and make a stronger joint than ordinary nails. Wooden pegs are 3–12 mm thick and are glued into drilled holes.