The Wood Joint
Fine design and craftsmanship
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Shavings
A toothpick is the oldest known method for dental cleaning and predates the arrival of early modern humans. In the US wooden toothpicks are made from birch wood that is cut into thin sheets and chopped and milled into individual toothpicks.
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Mortise and Tenon Joints
A mortise and tenon is one of the most important joints used in finely crafted furniture.
It is an ancient technique found in archeological sites throughout the world and was
used in both building and furniture construction. There are many functional and decorative
variations of this joinery and it is regulary used in furniture made by The Wood Joint.
Dovetails
Some of the earliest known examples of dovetail joints have been found in furniture
entombed with mummies from ancient Egypt and in emporers" tombs from China. Dovetail
joints are both beautiful and strong and can be cut by machine or by hand. At The Wood
Joint dovetails are typically cut by hand to achieve a level of refinement that is not
possible with a machine.
Wood Movement
Wood expands and contracts with changes in relative humidity so, when the air is damp, wood absorbs moisture and expands and when the air is dry, it releases moisture and contracts. A 9"-wide piece of hardwood can expand or contract as much as 1/8" across its width due to seasonal changes in humidity. This natural movement is accounted for in all of the furniture that The Wood Joint builds.
Modern Adhesives
Wood adhesives have been around for literally thousands of years starting with natural gums and plant resins. Native Americans used adhesives made from buffalo hoofs and animal fat and some of the earliest wood adhesives used in modern wood assembly were made of animal renderings. In the 1950"s polyvinyl acetate, or PVA white glues, were introduced followed by faster setting and more durable yellow glues. These yellow glues are most often used in The Wood Joint furniture to provide water resistance and superior bond strength.
