Finger joint board is made by joining smaller pieces of wood together to create longer, more substantial boards. This process maximizes the use of wood resources and produces a product that is strong and stable.
The Finger Jointing Process
Here's a breakdown of how finger joint board is made:
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Preparation of Wood Pieces:
- Smaller, often shorter or lower-grade, pieces of wood are selected.
- These pieces are typically milled to precise dimensions.
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Cutting the Finger Joints:
- A specialized machine cuts a series of interlocking "finger" shapes on the end of each piece of wood.
- These finger-like projections are angled and precisely shaped to fit together.
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Applying Glue:
- A strong adhesive is applied to the cut ends of the wood pieces.
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Joining the Pieces:
- The wood pieces are aligned, and the finger joints are pressed together tightly.
- This interlocking joint combined with the adhesive forms a strong and nearly seamless connection.
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Curing the Adhesive:
- The assembled board is held in place while the adhesive cures and hardens. This ensures the integrity and stability of the final product.
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Finishing:
- The completed finger joint board may undergo further processing such as planing, sanding, or other finishing as needed for its intended use.
Benefits of Finger Jointing
- Resource Efficiency: Finger jointing allows for the use of smaller pieces of wood that might otherwise be discarded, reducing waste.
- Increased Length: This method can create longer boards than would be possible with single pieces of wood.
- Enhanced Stability: The finger joint is strong, creating a board that resists warping and twisting.
- Consistent Quality: Finger jointing creates a more consistent and predictable board by eliminating many of the inherent issues found in whole boards.
Applications
Finger joint board is commonly used in various applications such as:
- Moulding and trim
- Door and window frames
- Furniture components
- Shelving
- Interior construction
