IS 3845:1966 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for joints used in wooden furniture. This code covers the types, proportions, and fabrication techniques for various woodworking joints used in furniture manufacturing, such as mortise-and-tenon, dowel, and dovetail joints. It provides guidelines for assembly and gluing to ensure durable and structurally sound wooden furniture.
Code of practice for joints used in wooden furniture
| Parameter | IS Value | International | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mortise & Tenon Thickness | Between one-third and one-half the thickness of the member. | Tenons shall be not less than one third of the thickness of the member from which they are cut. | BS 1186-2:2008 |
| Moisture Content (Interior Use) | Seasoned to appropriate level per IS 287 (e.g., ~12% for central India). | At time of fabrication, shall be 10% ± 2% for most interior applications. | BS 1186-2:2008 |
| Dowel Diameter | Shall not exceed one-half the thickness of the members to be joined. | Dowel diameter should be 1/3 to 1/2 the thickness of the stock. | ANSI/AWI 0641-2019 |
| Dovetail Joint Slope | Slope of 1 in 6 for softwoods and 1 in 8 for hardwoods is specified. | A slope of 1:6 for softwood and 1:8 for hardwood is considered common best practice, though not explicitly mandated in many standards. | Common Craft Practice / AWI Guides |
| Adhesive Application | Adhesive shall be applied uniformly to both mating surfaces of the joint. | Adhesive should be applied to one or both surfaces in accordance with the adhesive manufacturer's recommendations. | BS 1186-2:2008 |
| Screw Penetration | Screw shall penetrate into the second member to at least half the thickness of that member. | The threaded portion of the screw should penetrate the receiving member by at least half the thickness of the member being attached. | ANSI/AWI 0641-2019 |