Building with wood as an ecologically viable material is a tradition with a long history. The timber architecture which has ensued over the past centuries reveals to the modern observer the depth of knowledge which has enabled both Eastern und Western cultures to use this wonderful material in such a creative way. In the most typical method of building with wood, elements are connected by using wood joints which do not require the assistance of adhesives or metal connectors. This art of wood jointing reached its zenith in Japan; but Europe too provided its share of highly influential forms. By looking at several hundred examples from Japan and 18 European countries, with a new chapter on China added to this enlarged edition, this book describes in great detail the history of timber architecture in terms of its technical, aesthetic and ecological dimensions. This thorough study is a mine of information to specialists in this field; it opens up to the craftsman of today what has become an almost forgotten world and provides a fascinating account for the general reader. Here is a man who has trekked though the wild Carpathian forests, the Norwegian outback, the Russian steppes and obscure regions of Japan in pursuit of the wood joint. He tells the story with a sense of unfolding discovery; for anyone interested in how buildings work this book is a joy to read." the architects journal"

The Joint Book features illustrated instructions for over 70 joints—providing easy-to-follow step-by-step directions for creating edge and scarf joints, lapped and housed joints, mortise and tenon joints, miters and bevels, dovetails, dowels and biscuits, and detailed descriptions of fasteners, hardware, and knockdown joints. This book is the perfect companion for any woodworker interested in improving their joint-making skills. This hardcover book with internal spiral binding is 6.5" × 8", the perfect size for carpenters and woodworkers to keep near their workbench or toolbox for quick access.The design of this book allows it to lay open flat for easy and frequent reference. The interior photographs, illustrations, and diagrams make the learning process simple and fun for beginners, while advanced readers will gain insight from the book's useful tips. Within, you'll find: Step-by-step illustrated instructions for making all the basic joints in every joint family—mortise and tenon, dovetails, miters, and more—and their variations. Both hand tool methods and power tool techniques, plus a variety of easy-to-build jigs. How the nature of wood and its properties affect joinery, glue, and furniture design. The Joint Book is the ultimate workshop reference, providing woodworkers with the knowledge to choose the right joint for the job.

Shows and describes splicing, oblique, corner, cross, and edge joints used in Japanese wooden construction

This is a practical reference for all people in woodworking. It contains advice on how to select and construct the best joint for the job, and step-by-step instructions for all types of joint, whether hand- or machine-cut. A chart matches each joint to its function and the toolsthat can be used to cut it and the book also indicates whether a joint is suitable for use with hardwoods, softwoods or man-made boards. Comprehensive advice and instructions are accompanied by hundreds of step-by-step drawings and photographs.

Learn the joinery techniques that are essential to fine woodworking, including butt joints, dadoes and grooves, rabbet, miter, lap, mortise-tenon, edge-to-edge, dovetail, and many more. Practice by making a variety of pieces, such as a built-to-last bedroom chest, bookcase, kitchen base cabinet, trestle table, pedestal table, dining chair, and rocking chair. 320 pages, 937 b/w illus., 8 x 10 3/4.

“Chan takes you through the steps required to make the jo∫ even the most exotic joint will seem easy to make.”—Canadian Woodworking. “Outstanding instructions, illustrations, and colorful photos...All skill levels; should be part of most public library collections.”—Library Journal. “Excellent....The adaptable approach, combined with the sheer number of joints covered, makes this one of the best books on joinery that I’ve seen.”—Fine Woodworking.

With the knowledge of only a handful of essential joints, a woodworker can build anything he can imagine... Whether it's a kitchen cabinet or an 18th century highboy, the foundation for all types of woodworking can be boiled down to a handful of essential joinery skills. Once learned, these joinery methods can be used to create almost anything the woodworker's mind can imagine. From the workshop of The Wood Whisperer, the popular YouTube host and best-selling author Marc Spagunolo teaches his preferred, time-tested methods for creating these joints. Rather than working solely by hand or machine, Spagunolo teaches woodworkers how to choose the joinery methods that make the most sense for the task at hand. And, in his easy-going and accessible style that promotes comfort and confidence, he provides several styles and methods for creating each joint. With Essential Joinery, beginners and pros alike will learn to hone the joinery skills that will take their woodworking to the next level.

There is a long tradition of using wood as a distinct and ecologically sound building material. Wooden architecture conveys for today’s world the breadth of knowledge held in Western and Eastern cultures about the creative use of this unique material. The typical technique of building with wood, joinery, requires that elements are connected only by the skillful interlocking of the constructive parts. In this book, the history of wooden architecture is described in detail using hundreds of examples from Japan, China and Europe. From a holistic understanding, a picture emerges that is informative for architects, and designers, reopens an almost lost world to builders, and will enthrall laypeople. Also available in a German edition (ISBN 978-3-0356-2479-3)