Sign construction

[johnfarris]

Hello folks,

I have been asked to make this sign
I am gong to do stub tenons for were the rails meet the posts.

The the join in the middle in the top rail i am not sure, any ideas greatly appreciated

The timber is Sapele 95mm x 95mm par

See picture attached

Cheers

John

 

[marcros]

is a sipa domino or 2 an option?

 

[MattRoberts]

Simplest would probably be too Butt join them and then cut a spline, unless you have a domino?

 

[AndyT]

If it's going outside, I think you'd be better off designing out the central joint by using a broad board for the top and cutting out the shape from a single piece.

 

[monkeybiter]

If the central panel is thickish and structural the the top joint doesn't need to be very strong, just decorative.

 

[Wildman]

cut it from one piece even if you have to retain the current shape, no stress on it use a router for the groove and finish the center part with a chisel if you cannot get the depth required.

 

[Argus]

Agree with Andy. One piece is best but it's a good idea to avoid upward-facing, exposed joins if you want it to last more than a few years.

If there is an upward angled joint in the centre, expect it to open up in time with the weather, howerver well it is sealed.

Similarly water run-off will collect in the valley formed at the junction of the rails and the tops of the posts - sooner or later it will penetrate the mortises. It would be better to extend the rails over the posts to allow water to run off.

Alternatively try to cover and protect the exposed joints with metal flashing.

 

[kevinlightfoot]

Make the top rail from one wide board. That is the best practise house the centre panel in a groove cut with a router as far as possible then finish off with hand tools.

 

[johnfarris]

Hello folks,
Thanks for all the replies, think one piece is the way to go

Can you use domino for external work?

The posts are the 95mm which would put the tenons at 31mm .

Is their a rule of thumb for tenon sizes when they get this size, should i be going for a stub twin mortise and tenon?

The rails are 70mm thick, is this thick enough?

thanks in advance