Spaltverbindungen

Spaltverbindungen, also known as slotted joints or gap joints, are a woodworking technique used to join two pieces of wood together. The basic principle involves creating a slot or groove in one piece of wood and a corresponding tongue or tenon on the other. These two elements are then fitted together. The "spalt" or gap refers to the space that may be left between the mating surfaces for various reasons, or it can refer to the inherent nature of the joint where precise fitting is not always the primary goal, but rather a functional connection.

There are several variations of spaltverbindungen. One common type is a simple groove and tongue joint where the tongue is slightly narrower than the groove, allowing for expansion and contraction of the wood due to humidity changes. Another form might involve a rabbet joint, where a step is cut along the edge of one piece to receive the edge of the other. These joints are often used in furniture making, cabinet construction, and in creating structural elements where a strong, yet flexible connection is desired.

The advantage of spaltverbindungen lies in their ability to accommodate wood movement, preventing warping or splitting. They can also be relatively easy to cut with hand tools or machine tools. While not always the most aesthetically refined joint, their practicality and durability make them a valuable technique in woodworking. The term can sometimes be used loosely to describe any joint with a deliberate gap or loose fit, as opposed to a tightly fitted mortise and tenon.