Pinned Miter Combines Strength and Beauty

Synopsis: The kane tsugi (literally, right-angle corner) joint is a traditional Japanese joint that offers incredible strength and beauty. Russell Jensen, who has made many examples of the joint, explains how to make this combination miter/pinned bridle joint using a simple jig, some power tools, and a small amount of handwork.
From Fine Woodworking #200
On one of my many quests over the Internet for woodworking knowledge, I happened upon a fellow woodworker from Japan who had gone into great detail about traditional Japanese furniture joints. Of the 50 or so joints illustrated, one really caught my eye: The kane tsugi (literally, right-angle corner) joint is basically a miter and a pinned bridle joint fused together. After making many examples of the joint, I am still impressed at its incredible strength. Even without glue, the joint is almost impossible to move once you insert the pin.
Traditional Japanese joinery normally consists…
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Comments
The tests from 2009 said that pinning makes a joint weaker.
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