I'm building several 5 and 6 foot tall open bookcases all solid cherry. My question is the joint for attaching the top to the vertical sides. What I am considering is using a spline and if I do that would you also screw or dowel the top down into the sides or is that over kill? For me, a miter joint while more elegant, I am not set up to be sure enough that I'll get that cut accurately. This is also too much for me to cut dovetails, the pieces are too cumbersome for my leigh jig. So, let me know what you think of using a splined butt joint for the top. Thanks for your help.
Joint Question
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Re: Joint Question
#2Is there going to be a face frame on these book cases?
Re: Joint Question
#3yes there will be a faceframe
Re: Joint Question
#4
Hi Raj,
You need to design joinery that functions and looks okay. A spline, depending on how close to the end of the top it occurs, will aid in alignment and add some glue area to the joint, but it will weaken the shortgrain at the ends of the top. If you have a biscuit joiner, this would be a better way to go. A couple biscuits in each joint will provide good glue strength and alignment. Your face frame will further strengthen the assembly.
Ellis Walentine, Host
Re: Joint Question
#5Since there is a face frame you could use most any joint. A butt joint with dowels. Butt joint with spline. Rabbet. Whatever.
I made one without a face frame. Used dovetails. As I recall I cobbled together some sort of cabinet or pile of boxes to accommodate the jig. Can't remember what jig I used, I have had several and have settled on a leigh Jig, but did not have it when I made the book case.
Re: Joint Question
#6I usually just have a shallow dado (1/8") on the sides and assemble with glue and screws/dowels. The choice depends on what appearance I want. Workshop shelves or living room shelves.