I'm going to begin to practice making joints with some left over 6x6's and 4x4's. What are the top four joints in your opinion that I should begin with?

Build a small frame that requires different elements such as posts, plates, rafters and braces. The goal of my suggestion is to learn about framing and not just joining.

I would make a post, plate and brace assembly. This gives you both mortises and tenons, as well as brace layout, and then you have a complete assembly when you are done. If you have enough 6x6 you could build a complete building as Roger suggests.

I agree with the others. If you want it to serve a function, how bout a mailbox stand?

Brace with tenons. Level piece with through tenon and wedge. Plumb post with pendant on top.

6X would be perfect for it. Just make sure you get the right mailbox so it can open. Ask me how I know.

That's a great idea! I'll post some pics when I'm finished.

Another way to practice joinery is by drawing the joints in three dimensions. Use pencil and paper to develop the concept, just free hand it. There are a number of methods to perfect in the actuall cutting of joinery, from the type of tool to simple tricks such as the french snap, but the concept of what the joinery looks like is key to layout. Reference edges will be needed, whether using snapped lines or edge rule.

Make a mailbox post with a beam and brace. And use it or sell it:



If you need a simple plan I have one.

Jim Rogers