Hello All:
I’m making Shaker-evocative mirrors to hang on the wall. Approximate dimensions will be 20″X26″ or so. I’ll be using straight-grained fir and sapele that is 5/8″ in thickness. My question pertains to the joinery and a choice between a bridle joint or a lap joint (draw bored). If I make the bridle joint with a mortised slot of 1/4″ I’m concerned that the remaining sides 3/16″ each might not be sufficient to bear the weight of the mirror glass. A lap joint seems to be the safe option. At this stage of the project, design options are open. The thickness of the stock is what it is.
Replies
You mentioned drawbored, isn't that for mortise and tenon joints or bridle could be in there as well? Half lap joint with today's glue should be fine.
I make mirrors frequently with half lap corners, and then add a show piece to the face with mitered corners. That has the added benefit of creating the rabbet, as the front is wider than the frame.
Steve Latta has an article on Chippendale mirrors where he does that. Your style would obviously be different, but the joinery could be the same.
Good tips. Thanks.
I have done it without the half lap... just 2 layers with the face mitered and the back just butt joints crossing the miters. They hold up just fine.
I’d go with the half lap as I’d be concerned about the ‘thinness’ of the bridle joint.
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