Joining long boards

[WoodcarvingGypsy]

I've got a couple of projects running and for one, I need to create a couple of 18.5' oak boards. I've looked and called every native timber supplier within 200 miles and no-one goes much over 12'. I can't even special order/request longer.

I'd appreciate some suggestions and guidance on how best to do this. Fortunately, this doesn't have to carry any load, just look good. This will be a trim board for above and below 5 rather large windows. I've got a biscuit joiner but am considering replacing it with a domino unit, just for strength.

I'm open to suggestions, pointers, etc.

 

[mrFinpgh]

Simple solution: use a scarf joint.

Slightly more involved solution: buy a 10' long 2" thick board, resaw it into two boards, and do an end to end bookmatch using a scarf joint

Either way, be sure to have something behind the joint to nail to.

 

[Michael Kellough]

How wide?

Apparently you can’t even get veneer that long. Check this out. Note that you can order “end matched” veneer which will give you the nearest facsimile to one long board.

Obviously you need to build the length with end joined boards and I’d build the width needed with narrow boards (two or three pairs) and stagger the end joints. Cover with veneer if desired.

If you want to just end join two boards you can probably get away with long dowels at the low end if you can get an extra pair of hands to handle the long assembly.

You can also make wide rabbets on the backs of the mating ends and glue in a wood plate. Kind of a blunt scarf joint, probably has a name I can’t recall.

You can also route or chisel shallow pockets to accept long mending plates and just use the screws.

You can also buy a Domino. It a great tool.

I left out the true scarf joint because it takes more advanced skills.

 

[guybo]

Hi welcome to the fog as was said the scarf joint, you can buy oak handrail in 20 ft lenghts 4x6/4 pricey

 

[squall_line]

Hi welcome to the fog as was said the scarf joint, you can buy oak handrail in 20 ft lenghts 4x6/4 pricey

Most hand railings use finger joints to lengthen the profile, so I checked the website to see what they were doing for these "beverage rail"s.

From the website (emphasis mine): "Additionally, longer handrails crafted in certain species may require joints. Though this is rare, joints are always constructed with color, grain-match, and strength as priorities. We utilize Scarf Joints in order to provide the strongest, most discreet joint possible. "