I hope this will be a topic we discuss extensively. Whether by hand or using hand tools, it is a fascinating topic. It holds the key to the longevity of our projects.

I will kick it off, with the following list. As the topic title suggests, we should focus on the WHY and the HOW:

1. Butt joints
2. Mitered butt joints
3. Mortise & tenon
4. Tongue & groove
5. Half laps
6. Doweling
7. Biscuits
8. Pocket holes
9. Dados
10. Rabbetts
11. Dovetails: through, half-blind, sliding
12. Finger joints

Have I missed anything?

Butt joints———

1. WHY would we use this joint in woodworking?

2. HOW would we make it work, rather than self-destruct?

3. Is it a viable joint?

4. Requirements for a good butt joint

I’m in..!

As to the questions posed:

1. I would only use it on “quick & dirty” projects, like bird houses. It is uncomplicated and fast to achieve.

2. Screw and epoxy glue for outdoors projects, rather than just nail and glue. Mainly due to the rust factor here. End grain screwing needs all the support one can give to the joint. Dowels complicate this simple joint unnecessarily, IMHO.

3. Sure! It survived all these ages!

4. Square edges and sides! Think shooting board!

I would add the following:

1. Simple is right! But it needs some kind of help, as you suggest, hoody.
2. If possible, I use pocket screws plus glue on the end grain. The secret is to apply a thin layer of glue to the end grain, allow it to absorb into the end grain, then re-apply a thin layer of glue. It holds extremely well.
3. It is a viable joint, if used in projects that will not place too much stress on it.
4. hoody is right – it is absolutely essential to have good, straight edges and sides for best contact.

Anything else?

Mitered butt joint –

1. Any special requirements?
2. What is needed to make it durable?
3. Do you use it at all?