[OP]
Member
I am making a sharpening station out of the scrap Doug fir 2x4s from my old workbench. Let’s say I need a 22” long 2x4 but only have 17” scraps left. Is there a structurally sound way to join two pieces end to end to make one longer board? I’m thinking just a half lap joint glued up really well? It wouldn’t be load bearing but would be providing stability to the frame of the table.
Thoughts?
Contributor
The joint you are asking about is called a scarf joint.
Dr. Google will give more ways than you will want to know on the various ways to make this joint.
jtk
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
- Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)
Contributor
I'd go half lap or bridle joint depending on how ambitious you are feeling. I'd make the overlap length longer than shorter, about 4 inches for best strength.
Member
I'd vote for bridle, and consider pinning it if it is going to be a stretcher.
Contributor
There is a glue joint, machine-made, used all the time. Companies will cut all the knots and other defects out. Then a cutter head cuts a "finger joint" on the ends of the good parts. Then those are glued up to make as long of a clear stick of lumber as needed.....
Wood Mag Issue 207 had an article on this.
Wood-207-end-to-end.JPG
If I wanted max strength I would do a bridle. A half lap is almost as good but, consider the purpose of the board. Something simple may be your "right" answer.
"A hen is only an egg's way of making another egg".
– Samuel Butler
Member
Make a trip to your local lumber yard.........two by fours are cheap.
Life's too short to use old sandpaper.
Member
This is the best advice, unless the OP is looking for an opportunity to practice his joinery skill.Originally Posted by Bob Glenn
Simon
[OP]
Member
I know 2x4s are cheap, but why not try to use some of the scrap AND get some practice at joinery? I will give half laps a try.
Contributor
I've used dovetails to join two boards end-to-end. In this case, both boards use tails - no pins. I'll try to post a picture later. It's pretty easy to do.
This is a sample board that I show to my students.
Dovetails.jpg
Mike
Last edited by Mike Henderson; 07-01-2018 at 2:09 PM.
Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good.
Contributor
Some places sell a router bit, some a shaper cutter..
IMG_4821 (640x392).jpgIMG_4821 (640x480).jpg
When I had to trim the screen door to size..this showed up.
Guest
I have yet to dear but it’s on my short list...
You know with all my free time.’
I’d go buy another couple 2x4...
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ru1KSv3pw4s
Member
Nice showoff.
Simon
Member
Or here's a big version:
https://youtu.be/QPUPyuz_ink
I think that Stan Covington would be the best guy to ask if you go the Japanese route.
Member
There was a member very good with Japanese woodworking got banned. The thread was removed. Is this Stan the banned member or a different person?
Simon
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