Scarf Joint?

Re: Scarf Joint?

Brian Holcombe

What kind of scarf joint, there are many.

Re: Scarf Joint?

Bruce, a MN Galoot

How big? West Systems recommends a 1:8 ratio, and I’ve found that to work well for regular glue, too. The last one I did was to splice a 1” thick, 6” wide piece of walnut. I cut the scarf on a bandsaw and cleaned up the surfaces to be glued with a plane. For 1/4” x 3/4” strips for a canoe, I made a jig to cut the joint that rode in the table saw slots.

Re: Scarf Joint?

William Duffield

If you are scarfing 3 or 4 mm okume (marine grade plywood) there is a jig for a skilsaw (or used to be) that is very effective. If that is what you are scarfing, I might be able to find a link to it.

You should be able to find a copy of Yeung Chan's book, "Classic Joints with Power Tools" on the used book market. It should provide all the techniques you need to know for several different scarf joints.

Re: Scarf Joint?

William Duffield

The scarffer that I referenced above is available from West Marine. Note that it is for joining thin plywood sheets end to end (or side to side), but probably not for your application.

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-system--875-scarffer--128480

Re: Scarf Joint?

Tom Norton

After a bit more searching I came across a table saw jig that looks like it will be just the ticket. It is a sliding table with an adjustable fence to vary the angle.

What are you scarfing together?

Re: What are you scarfing together?

Tom Norton

Cedar for a frame work for garage doors. The cedar will be sandwiched between 1/4" ply.