MODEL MAKING SESSION 3– Along with looking at wood and Vac Forming in this session we also looked at the different types of joints which we could use for when it come to assembling our final model, these ranged from Dowel joints to Bolt joint, below are all the different types of joints which we learnt about and how the can be useful.
SCREW JOINT
A screw joint is one of the simplest joints, screws can vary in size, thickness and length, and this all depends on the material you are using for which size you would need to use. When working with wood it is a good idea to use a counter sink screw, this creates a flat smooth surface, which looks more professional.
When using screws or even bolts it is advised to make two joints, this stops any swiveling which you do not want, however if you do want movement in the joint then only one will allow this.
BOLT JOINT
Bolted joints are also very simple and are very popular in construction or machine design, bolts use a fastening which allows the joining of different materials, they consist of a bolt which is then secured by a screw thread. Because when you use a screw thread it can create a bump in the surface you can also do a bolt joint without, all you need to do is create a thread within the material that you want to bolt, this acts as a screw thread but because the bolt is secure inside the material it can then be cut off if there is any excess where you want your flat surface.
DOWEL JOINT
A dowel joint is a common joining method in furniture design. The way a dowel joint works is by drilling a series of holes in the surface of where you want to join the materials, both materials need to be drilled in the place of where you want them to be connected. Accuracy is a crucial part of dowel joints because if your drill hole is out of line then your dowel will not work. Each hole corresponds to the size of dowel, this helps the dowel fit into the hole to become secure, because the dowel may move once in place you need to apply some glue to the inside of the hole, this secures the dowel in place. While the glue is drying it is a good idea to clamp the joint until it is completely dry, this will allow for further strength.
Dowel joints are very often used for when you want a decorative finish to a design as the colour’s may contrast against each other, this is a very common effect seen in furniture design. Dowel joints are very strong and can last a long time, however the dowel may shrink and become loose, this will make the joint come loose, creating unwanted movement. Because of this reason dowel joints are used for things such as:
- Frames
- Cabinets
- Panel Alignment
TONGUE & GROOVE JOINT
A tongue and groove joint is commonly used for corners, it is one of the strongest joints, which we learnt about in this session. The way it works is by fitting two similar pieces of wood together, it creates a flat join and requires no machinery. One of your pieces of wood, which you are using, has a groove along the edge, this is thin but deep. On the other piece of wood there is the tongue, this is the opposite to the groove, this has a extended piece of wood which comes out, this being the same size as the groove to allow for a strong fit. These two pieces are then slotted together, because these two pieces are only jointed by the groove it can easily be pulled apart, this is why you need to use wood glue. You have to place the wood glue in the groove so then when the tongue is placed into it, it will have more support and strength once the glue has dried.
RIVET JOINT
A Rivet joint is a fast and easy way of joining metal. It is a mechanical fastening which works by having a small smooth cylinder, this has a grip rod that then has a head on the opposite end. To start you need to drill a hole in your metal, using your rivet gun you need to insert the rivet, this allows for you to hold onto the gun and keep the rivet in place, once you have the rivet in place of the hole you need to apply pressure to the handles of the gun, this pulls back on the rivet until the grip rod snaps off from the head, when you do this the head expands creating a strong hold in the hole you drilled.
Rivet joints are one of the strongest joints, you cannot pull these apart, the only way to release this joint is by drilling through the middle, this then drills out the rivet and releases the joint.
Peta-Louise Krog 
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