[OP]
Member
I'm trying to make a lower back leg and a back all one piece for an outdoor chair made of 2x4's. As you can see in the picture the 2x4's are cut at 7.5 degrees to make a 15 degree back lean. My question is what would be the best way to connect the 2 pieces to make one back piece. Thanks!
split.JPGconnected.JPG
In Memoriam
Splines for starters, long mending plates for insurance.
Contributor
Buy a 2 x 6 or 2 x 8, and start over.
When I started woodworking, I didn't know squat. I have progressed in 30 years - now I do know squat.
Contributor
Perfect scenario for a Domino XL. If you don't have one, like me, then hardwood tenons, or hardwood dowels would be my next choice.
A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. My desk is a work station.
Contributor
Darren, the best method is to get a larger piece of lumber and band saw or jig saw the leg out of it in one piece.........Regards, Rod.
Contributor
Agree, but the way he has them oriented I don't think that would work unless he starts with 4x4 material?Originally Posted by Rod Sheridan
A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. My desk is a work station.
Contributor
True, he needs to change his design and his method.........Rod.
Member
One option is to stand the 2x4 on its side and make a long 15 degree cut on the bandsaw. Not a 15 degree bevel, but a true 15 degree angle. The cut length will be almost 6" long. Flip it over and attach the cut surface to the back of the other piece. There will be lots of surface area to glue and screw the 2 pieces together.
Steve
[OP]
Member
That's how I've done it before. Just wondering if anyone had a better way.
Member
Steam bend the board, if you can. Pine doesn't stem bend all that well, but if you are carefull.....
Otherwise bandsaw. Follow grain if possible, and i wouldn't trust it all that much, as there will be weak spots at the change in direction.
Paul
Contributor
I think strength is very important for this joint, therefore I would advocate doing a bridle joint wherein you could create a whole lot of glue surface area for maximized strength. You could do this also with splines. I would try for two or three splines per joint
Member
For strength you want a large gluing surface area. I would do it with a saddle joint. Extend the bottom piece so that the inner one third goes all the way through the top piece. Likewise extend the two outer thirds of the top piece the over the bottom piece. I would probably cut the inner third out of the top piece using a tennoning jig on the table saw with a dado blade. To remove the outside thirds of the bottom piece I would probably use the table saw, dado blade and a sled to clamp the piece to at the appropriate 15 degree angle. After they are glued together the resulting piece should be stronger than one being cut out of a single piece of wood.
Member
Bridle joint (pinned) is an excellent idea. Wish I'd suggested it.
Paul
Contributor
Cut it out of a 4x4.
Member
I would seriously consider white oak, and steam bending it. It will be stronger than pine and last longer outside.
Paul
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