Meaning & use
scarf joint
Last updated
UK/ˈskɑːf dʒɔɪnt/
US/ˈskɑːrf dʒɔɪnt/
Meaning
nouncountablespecialist
A way of joining two pieces of timber end to end by cutting sloping or notched ends that overlap and fit together.
Grammar: Countable: a scarf joint, scarf joints.
Patterns
- a scarf joint between something and something
The carpenter cut a long scarf joint to lengthen the beam.
A scarf joint keeps the surface flat where two boards meet.
Boatbuilders use a scarf joint to make a long plank from short ones.
Word forms
| plural | scarf joints |
|---|
Common combinations
- cut a scarf joint
- He cut a scarf joint with a fine saw.
- glue a scarf joint
- Clamp and glue the scarf joint overnight.
- hooked scarf joint
- A hooked scarf joint resists pulling forces.
- scarf joint in a keel
- The scarf joint in the keel was reinforced with bolts.
- strong scarf joint
- A strong scarf joint can be as sturdy as solid wood.
Synonyms and how they differ
- splice
- Splice is a more general term for joining ends, including ropes, while scarf joint is for wood or metal.
- butt joint
- Butt joint simply puts square ends together, which is weaker than a scarf joint.
- lap joint
- Lap joint overlaps two pieces with a step, while a scarf joint tapers the ends to keep one flush surface.
Word family
Commonly confused: scarf joint or scarf?
scarf joint vs scarf
Here scarf has nothing to do with the clothing item; it names the tapered cut used in this joint.
Practice
A scarf joint is mainly used to ____.
Choose one answer.
A scarf joint lengthens timber by joining the tapered ends. The other options do not describe joinery.
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