If you have to make a frame or molding that will need planing, carving or routing after it is assembled, consider using bamboo skewers to hold it together as the glue dries. I first started using the skewers to pin picture frames together, as shown in the drawing. First I brush the miters with yellow glue and clamp them together. Then I drill two holes at each corner (one from each side) about 1 in. deep and at slightly different levels so they don’t intersect. The holes should be slightly larger in diameter than the skewers. With a pair of wire cutters, I snip off the sharpened point of a skewer. I put a dab of glue on this skewer point, and press it into one of the holes, cut end first. Next I drive another gluecoated skewer into the hole, square end first. The skewer point at the bottom of the hole acts as a wedge to spread the second bamboo pin, locking it in place.
Pins from bamboo skewers are strong and cheap, and you can work the assembled piece without fear of damaging your edge tools or sending dangerous bits of metal flying around the shop as you do with screws or nails. Check your supermarket for these useful fasteners.
Michael Sweem, Downey, CA
Edited and Illustrated by Charles Miller
From Fine Homebuilding #26
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I like it. There are so many places I could/will use this in the assembly of fine furniture. Thanks
Ditto. I use dowells a lot. and Japan woodworker has wood nails, too.
https://www.japanwoodworker.com/products/kakuri-tapered-wooden-nails-small-300-piece