Finger joints are one of the most common and stable types of wood length joints used in carpentry. It is also known as a comb joint or box joint. The term “finger joint” is used in carpentry to describe the type of joint formed when two pieces of wood interlock. This type of joint has been used by carpenters for centuries, with the earliest examples appearing in French carpentry manuals from the 15th century.
This joint is usually made by cutting a set of complementary interlocking profiles into the ends of two pieces of wood; these are then glued together to form a strong and secure joint that resembles the interlacing of fingers, hence the name “finger joint”.
This method can be used to join two pieces of wood at any angle, creating a joint with excellent strength and stability. Finger joints are generally stronger than butt joints and can be used to join pieces of wood that are not perfectly aligned. This makes them ideal for carpentry work, and as a result, finger joints are often used in the construction of furniture, cabinets, and other wooden items.
There are two main types of finger joints: non-structural and structural. Non-structural joints have shorter fingers (pins) and are mainly used in furniture making. On the other hand, the fingers of structural joints are longer and pointed, providing the necessary strength for applications such as flooring and roofing.
Box joint
Box joint, also known as square joint, is a method of joining two pieces of wood together by interlocking.
Box joints are commonly used at corners to join two pieces of wood together at right angles. Although it has similarities to dovetail joints, unlike dovetail joints, which have beveled tails and pins, box joints consist of straight fingers that mesh with each other. This joint consists of interlocking square fingers and grooves to form a visually appealing symmetrical pattern, and is specifically used in the manufacture of boxes, cabinets, frames, and similar items.
Finger joints
Finger joints, also known as tapered joints, are used to join two pieces of wood together end to end, allowing for the manufacture of longer lengths. Unlike box joints, finger joints have interlocking tapered fingers and grooves.
Finger joints are generally more widely used in various joinery applications that require a strong interlocking joint. This interlocking design provides strength and stability to the joint. It can be used to join wood pieces lengthwise and at right angles in a variety of woodworking applications.
Why choose finger joints?
The most obvious advantage of finger joints is that they can effectively utilize smaller wood pieces, resulting in a material with good mechanical properties. By connecting individual wood pieces with finger joints, they can become finger-jointed wood, which has strength properties comparable to solid wood.
At the same time, joints also provide a visually appealing symmetrical design for wood assemblies. The uniform and symmetrical characteristics of finger joints can add a clean and professional appearance to woodworking projects.
In addition, this type of mortise and tenon joint is very easy to assemble. Interlocking finger joints make it easy to properly align the individual parts for a precise fit. Unlike dovetail joints, they are not mechanically interlocked, but their large glue surface area ensures their strength when combined with modern adhesives.
Finger joints are widely used in woodworking because they are strong and versatile, which makes them ideal for furniture and cabinet making. In addition, this kind of joints are beautiful and can be used to create furniture with complex designs. It can be said that finger joints are a carpenter’s “best friend” in woodworking activities.
160 4T Work Carbide Tools Wood Working Finger Joint Cutter Cutter Blade