sequoia
Well-known member
I decided to try the old tape method for jointing some book matched top plates to see how it would turn out. Here is what I found: It works, but... why?
To those of you unfamiliar with this method, I will try and explain. It is really very simple. After you have planed your edges so that you get a perfect butt joint, line up the plates so that the grain matches and they are flat. Lift one side of the plate and lean it against a 2 x 4 so the two plates form an angle at the joint. This angle is not critical. Now apply 1 inch tape over the joint every inch or so stretching the tape and connecting the plates. There will be a tape gap over the joint. Now, when the plates are layed flat, tension is created as the tape is stretched and this is your clamping pressure. It is important to use stretchy tape for this. I used Scotch 233+ which I got at an autoparts store.
It works pretty good and I got an almost perfect seam. However I wonder why anyone would do this since a jointing jig is a pretty simple contraption. I kinda feel that maybe the pressure wasn't as consistently applied as I would like. I think this method might be of use to a large scale shop where they would want to kick out many tops in one day all at the same time. Not sure really... Below pictures and a link with video on how to do it (that is not me).
My "after" picture doesn't show the joint real well, but it is mostly invisible after a little sanding. I'm satisfied.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwjsIp44z3k
To those of you unfamiliar with this method, I will try and explain. It is really very simple. After you have planed your edges so that you get a perfect butt joint, line up the plates so that the grain matches and they are flat. Lift one side of the plate and lean it against a 2 x 4 so the two plates form an angle at the joint. This angle is not critical. Now apply 1 inch tape over the joint every inch or so stretching the tape and connecting the plates. There will be a tape gap over the joint. Now, when the plates are layed flat, tension is created as the tape is stretched and this is your clamping pressure. It is important to use stretchy tape for this. I used Scotch 233+ which I got at an autoparts store.
It works pretty good and I got an almost perfect seam. However I wonder why anyone would do this since a jointing jig is a pretty simple contraption. I kinda feel that maybe the pressure wasn't as consistently applied as I would like. I think this method might be of use to a large scale shop where they would want to kick out many tops in one day all at the same time. Not sure really... Below pictures and a link with video on how to do it (that is not me).
My "after" picture doesn't show the joint real well, but it is mostly invisible after a little sanding. I'm satisfied.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwjsIp44z3k