Replies

1. 
   RalphBarker | Oct 27, 2012 10:00am | #1

   No photo

   Your photo isn't showing.

1. 
   dnno215 | Oct 27, 2012 12:44pm | #2

   Not to computer savvy, missed a step. Thanks for letting me know

2. 
   RalphBarker | Oct 28, 2012 09:47am | #3

   doweled joints

   Since the dowels aren't visible in the photo, I'm assuming that short sections of dowel were added to the interior of the half-lap joints? If so, they would add strength, but are probably unnecessary in this sort of joinery. Assuming proper fit and glueing, the half-lap joints are quite strong on their own. I wouldn't see the grill being subjected to much in the way of stress that might require additional joint strength.

1. 
   dnno215 | Oct 28, 2012 02:21pm | #4

   No, the dowels are only in the face frame of the door, thats where the connections were somewhat difficult to properly align.

1. 
   daverichards | Oct 29, 2012 08:17am | #5

   It's probably been said but here's a picture of how I'd do it. A half lap into notches in the stiles and rails.

   
2. 
   RalphBarker | Oct 29, 2012 11:57am | #6

   Doweling for Dollars

   "No, the dowels are only in the face frame of the door, thats where the connections were somewhat difficult to properly align."

   Ah, OK.

   There are several design approaches that could be used for the grill assembly. And, the sequence of assembly for each can either simplify the process, or make it more complicated.

   The notch/half-lap approach that Dave suggested is one approach that would be relatively quick and easy. Another, perhaps more traditional, would be mortice and tenon, where small tenons on the ends of the grill pieces would fit into mortices in the rails and stiles of the door frame. In either case, having the grill pre-assembled, glued and dried might simplify joining the grill and the door frame elements. Trying to assemble loose pieces and glue them all at once is perhaps best reserved for multi-armed Hindu gods and goddesses.

   If using the notch/half-lap approach, using a pre-assembled grill and a pre-assembled door frame, you might also come back after that has dried and add small half-blind (visible only on the back side of the door) dowels for added strength. I've also seen through dowels on the corners of the door frame used for both strength and decorative purposes. In some cases, decorative buttons in a contrasting wood (often ebony), often square with a raised pyramid face, are added to the front of the door. I suppose one could also do that with the grill/frame joints, giving the piece a heavily riveted look, like an old strongbox.

3. 
   dnno215 | Nov 01, 2012 07:17pm | #7

   Thanks to all, this will help the next time!