Box Joints

Box joints, also known as finger joints or comb joints, are a type of woodworking joint used to join two pieces of wood at a right angle, typically in a corner. They are called "box joints" because they are commonly used in box construction, such as drawers, chests, and other similar structures. A box joint consists of interlocking fingers or tabs cut into the ends of the two pieces of wood to be joined. These fingers alternate between the two pieces, with one piece having protruding fingers and the other having recessed slots to accommodate them. When assembled, the fingers mesh together tightly, creating a strong and durable joint with significant glue surface area for added strength. Box joints can be made using various tools, including a table saw equipped with a dado blade or a router with a box joint jig. The spacing and size of the fingers can vary depending on the specific requirements of the project, but they are typically uniform for a clean and symmetrical appearance. Box joints offer several advantages, including their strength, durability, and ease of assembly. They provide a visually appealing alternative to dovetail joints for box construction and are often preferred for their simplicity and efficiency in production. Additionally, box joints can be used with or without glue, depending on the application and desired level of permanence.