timber- question on which joints to use

[GnzYza]

hi,
i have a tiled fire surround, and i dont want to speand loads of money on new surroung etc as im changing my back boiler to combi soon.

So in the mean while i want to cover the tiles in timber wood over the existing shape my friend has done it and looks very nice.

but my question may sound silly but i need to know what joint i can use??

the hearth is okay because im going to use mitre joint, but the panelling going up will rest on a baton and will return in on the side with a small panel.
This joint i dont know which to use, reason why i ask is because i dont really have a circular saw, which would make it easier. as its a large corner joint about a metre high. i was thinking butt joint but it wont look nice.

any ideas please...
on what joints and how to do them.

Thanks, much appreciated.

 

[oilman]

Can't make head or tail of what you are trying to say. Have you read what you've written? Does it make sense?

Suggest you look through some DIY books.

 

[GnzYza]

ok fair enough,

i have a free standing gas fire, you know those baxi ones with a back boiler.
the area (fire surround) is tiled and comes out from the wall about 3inch approx. So its a tile surround fixed using heat resistant cement!!
and looks naff

hope know ones confused yet.

Basically i want to make it look nicer, and cover the tiles in timber, if you could imagine i will need to use a joint from the front panel to the one returning down the side 3". what joint should i use??

its an easy enough question i think, the height of the front panel is about 1m so the return panel is also about that! thats the 90 degree joint which i need. but the side panel is only 3" wide. how can i create the joint.

 

[Thermo]

if im reading it right with wht you want to do, use biscuits to line it up flush and glue it.

 

[Scrit]

Its an easy enough question i think, the height of the front panel is about 1m so the return panel is also about that! thats the 90 degree joint which i need. but the side panel is only 3" wide. how can i create the joint.

Probably the simplest and strongest would be a lock-mitre joint line made with a cutter like this. You also can achieve this type of joint with a mitre edge piece and a slot cut down the mitred (i.e. a splined mitre joint) although it does tale either a decent size table saw or a router/biscuit jointer together with a home made jig to do it. Use either technique and you end up with the same appearance as a mitre joint but a lot more strength.

I'd advise if you're going to use solid timber that you leave it in the same room as the heater for a couple of weeks with plenty of air space around it. That way the moisture of the wood will be in equilibrium (so it won't try to pull itself apart first time you turn the fire on.

Scrit

 

[GnzYza]

very good idea about equilibrium in the wood- thanks.

thanks guys looks as i will need to buy some kind of specialised tool to get that joint done then.

 

[GnzYza]

what about this, will it help?
http://www.axminster.co.uk/recno/3/product-Perform-CCMS8-210mm-Compound-Mitre-Saw-21727.htm

 

[masona]

A bit expensive for a one off job unless you need it for another job.

Can you not use a butt joint then use timber L-shape moulding to cover it?

Not sure if I'm on the right track here.

 

[GnzYza]

hi, masona exactly what im thinking COST!!

if i do use the L moulding how will it cover up?
does it show or whats the procedure.

Thanks

 

[GnzYza]

A bit expensive for a one off job unless you need it for another job.

Can you not use a butt joint then use timber L-shape moulding to cover it?

Masona thanks i've looked into it and it the mouldings sound very good, makes it easier and adds a nice finish.

i was thinking using small dowells to add extra strengh?

i will go and get the bits tomorrow, hopefully i will post a pic after just so everyone understands my objective

 

[masona]

i was thinking using small dowells to add extra strengh?

Depending on the thickness of the timber, instead of dowels you can nail some panel pins then cut the head off with plier then bang the two timber together with glue, called secret nailing but I can't see what you're doing though

 

[GnzYza]

but I can't see what you're doing though

well i have a fire with back boiler and to replace the horrible old tiled fire surround i have to buy a surround that will take the heat from it. marble backing etc.. and they cost abit.

im on a budget so until i upgrade to combi i have to improvise.

the tiled surface fixed with heat cement will protect it from heat so i will just panel over it to give a reasonable finish.

but secret nails- i like

 

[oilman]

Yeah, go on, "upgrade" to a combi, get rid of your hot water tank, and curse forever that you made such a decision.

 

[GnzYza]

Yeah, go on, "upgrade" to a combi, get rid of your hot water tank, and curse forever that you made such a decision.

why's that??
i'll be upgrading to a condensing boiler, whats wrong with that?