How tight should splines be?
A properly fitting spline should seat snugly in its slot with just a bit of pressure. It shouldn’t need clamping after glue-up.
How does a spline add strength to a joint?
Splines for strength The spline is also useful because it helps to align the two joining parts during assembly and glue-up. For extra strength, the grain direction of the spline can run at 90° to the grain of the boards.
What is the purpose of a spline joint?
A spline is a strip of wood, plywood, or other material (such as Masonite), inserted into matching grooves or plows, along the edges of two boards. The purpose is to reinforce and align the edges.
Which is stronger miter or butt joint?
The miter joint has two signal advantages over a butt-corner joint: First, no end grain shows, making for a more regular and attractive joint; second, the surface for gluing is increased. Miter joints may also be fastened with nails, screws, dowels, or other mechanical fasteners.
What do you need to know about spline joints?
All About Spline Joints. A spline is a strip of wood, plywood, or other material (such as Masonite), inserted into matching grooves or plows, along the edges of two boards. The purpose is to reinforce and align the edges. A spline can be used as a substitute for the tongue and groove.
When to use a spline on a miter joint?
When used on a miter joint, the spline adds extra strength to an otherwise delicate joint. The spline is also useful because it helps to align the two joining parts during assembly and glue-up. For extra strength, the grain direction of the spline can run at 90° to the grain of the boards.
What should the spline be between two boards?
Rather, they should slide in easily, but without any side play, to allow enough room for glue to ensure a solid joint. The width of the spline when used between two boards, whether miter or edge joint, should be slightly less than the width of both slots, to ensure the joint will close fully.
What’s the best way to use a spline?
For extra strength, the grain direction of the spline can run at 90° to the grain of the boards. Another advantage is that a contrasting wood spline can be used as an accent. Or a spline can be “capped” with small contrasting end pieces.