This section is from the book "Notes On Building Construction", by Henry Fidler. Also available from Amazon: Notes on building construction.
When the length of the joint is not great the pieces are cut to a bevel, so that the plane of the joint bisects the angle; this is called the "mitre."
This joint depends entirely upon the glue unless it is strengthened by a slip feather, as dotted in Fig. 140.
If the boards are of different thicknesses the joint is made as in Fig. 141.
Fig. 131. Scale, 2 inches = 1 foot.
Fig. 140.
Fig. 141.
Fig. 142.
Fig. 143.
Fig. 142 is a modification of the above; it is a good joint for exterior angles, and can be nailed both ways.
This joint is useful for connecting angles such as those of dados or skirtings.
In Fig. 143 the parts are kept together by the form of the joint itself, but it requires a great deal of labour, is very liable to split, and not often used.
A mitre joint is frequently keyed for strength -by inserting thin slips of hard wood covered with glue, as shown in Fig. 144. These may either be horizontal as at K, K, or inclined as at K1.
Fig. 144.
A keyed mitre is most generally used for joints visible only on the inside, as the keys are unsightly.
 
Continue to: