Cope and Stick (Frankie & Dennis)

Cope and Stick

Cope and stick is a construction technique that is used to join pieces of wood in cabinetry construction. It may also be referred to as stile-and-rail. The cope and the stick are the names assigned to the two pieces of wood that are cut using a router bit so that a smooth joint is created. This technique is most commonly used in making large frames for wood or glass panels. When used in cabinetry, this technique can be applied to intricate glass doors that exhibit a pattern. When done well, this can make a project much stronger but also more expensive.

The stick is a term used by carpenters to refer to the molded edge that is along the inside of a door or window frame. This type of edge is much more appealing than a square edge, but it creates a technical problem that requires joining molded profiles at the corners. This is where the cope comes into play. The cope is the recessed mirror cut that is put into the opposite edge so the stick can be seamlessly joined. The result is a much more ornate design, but the greatest advantage is the strength and tight fitting durability that this technique achieves.

Cope and Stick Router Table Procedure

1. When installing a coping bit, be sure that it is uninhibited by the adjustable fence panels. You will need to select a throat hole cover which allows for minimal passage of material.

  

2. Using a 6" ruler or any other thin, flat tool make the fence of the router table 

flush with the bearing of the coping bit.

    

3. When ready to begin your cut, press the material against the fence and pass it through the path of the coping bit. You can use feather boards to assist in the application of downward and lateral pressure.