Wood Working, Joining

Hi Everybody,

Joining boards together is the step, in wood working, in which most mistakes are made.In my opinion, it's because, as human beings, we're so busy thinking about what we are doing that we don't think about what we're going to do next. When building anything, always remember the cardinal rule of joinery, fasteners fasten and structural members bare weight. If you are building a display case for your most prized possessions, take the weight of your possessions into consideration. Then, design a structural support system sufficient to bare the weight of the displayed items forever. Well, nothing lasts forever, but you get the picture. The system can be something as simple as cleats glued and stapled to the shell or something as intricate as a mortise system that is still adjustable. Also, keep in mind the fact that every blemish you create is a blemish that you will have to treat, before you paint or stain. Try to minimize the obtrusiveness of the support system. On the other hand, form must always follow function. Please respond with any questions that you have in the comments section.

Thanks,
 Randy McArthur