Timber Framers Guild Forums General General Forum Questions scarf wedge dimmension

Ok folks...here's a simple question. What is the taper on a 1x1 wedge used for stop splayed scarfs? I'm experimenting with a few different types of wood as well. (Cherry vs. Ash vs. White Oak)

Thanks!
Dan

The wedges would be the width of the timbers + an inch or two in length.
The height of the table and taper from one and one half inch to two inches from end to end.
Like this:



Jim Rogers

Thanks Jim. The scarf is cut based on Ted Benson's original book. I just needed to find some additional info on the 2 wedges used to tighten the joint. Thanks again.

Like Jim says, ditto.

I like a long slow taper angle, gives mechanical advantage in the tightening and less likely to back out.

So I make the wedges extra long, pound them tight, and saw them off afterwards. Much easier than trying to figure the precisely perfect angles and lengths, crush factor, etc.

Pete

A common practice is to make the taper 1:12 (about 4.75 degrees) for the wedges. Position the wedges such that future tightening is possible. If on face of the scarf is exterior and covered, keep the wedge ends inside the joint by 1/2"-1" so there's room to drive it a little further without being a problem on the outside. Good luck.