Woodworking Joinery Techniques

Question 1

What is a mortise and tenon joint?

Accepted Answer

A joint where a projecting tenon fits into a corresponding mortise cavity

Answer

Two boards glued edge to edge

Answer

A joint held together only by nails

Answer

A lap joint secured with screws

Question 2

What is a dovetail joint primarily used for?

Accepted Answer

Joining drawer corners because of its resistance to being pulled apart

Answer

Joining two boards end to end

Answer

Connecting table legs to the apron

Answer

Filling gaps in wood panels

Question 3

What is a biscuit joint used for in woodworking?

Accepted Answer

Aligning and reinforcing edge-to-edge glue joints using football-shaped compressed wood wafers

Answer

Decorative inlay work on tabletops

Answer

Connecting mitered frame corners with hidden fasteners

Answer

Joining boards end to end for extra length

Question 4

What is a rabbet joint?

Accepted Answer

A step-shaped recess cut along the edge or end of a board that receives another board

Answer

A joint made with a wooden peg through two overlapping boards

Answer

A V-shaped groove cut across the grain

Answer

A joint that uses metal brackets for reinforcement

Question 5

What is a box joint (finger joint) used for?

Accepted Answer

Joining box corners with interlocking rectangular fingers for a strong glue surface

Answer

Connecting wide panels edge to edge

Answer

Attaching cabinet hardware to doors

Answer

Joining boards at an angle other than 90 degrees

Question 6

What is the purpose of a dado joint?

Accepted Answer

To house the end of a shelf or divider panel within a groove cut across the grain of a board

Answer

To join two boards at a miter angle

Answer

To add decorative molding to a cabinet edge

Answer

To connect two boards end to end in a straight line