Spline Question

[Raymond Fries]

I made the splines in this frame from walnut. I am wondering if masonite would work well with the oak. Masonite is 1/8" thick and the saw kerf is 1/8". Sounds good but will it bond as well?

The frames are 3/4" x 3/4" and the spline only goes half way through the joint on the horizontal plane.

Can anyone recommend or discourage the use of masonite?

Thanks for any feedback you can offer.

[Grant Wilkinson]

I can discourage it - since you asked. :-)

You will not get a good finish on the raw edge of masonite. It's just pressed cardboard, after all. I would stick with your walnut. You can easily cut 1/8" slats to fill your saw kerf.

[Matt Day]

Masonite isn't exactly a strong material. I suggest you plane/sand down solid wood.

I don't quite understand your project based on the description but I've made dozens of picture frames with splines through the miter at a 45* angle. Hardwood all the time.

[Prashun Patel]

Masonite is nominally 1/8" thick, but you may get a tighter fit by milling your own splines, or making your slot wider to accomodate a spline you're comfortable making yourself.