Suppose you have four pieces of 1×2 lumber, two of one length and two of another, and you want to turn them into a picture ...

There are different types of construction joints: butt-type with and without a keyway, doweled, and tied as shown in Figure 1. Dowels can be smooth round or square steel bars or plates.

Butt joints usually need reinforcement from metal fasteners, dowels, splines or biscuits. When you assemble a wood project, ...