Japanese Castle/Shiro Joint

 

What is its application?

Its application can be found mainly in the production of furniture where a joint needs to be both strong and ascetically pleasing. Very often the castle joint is used for corners on beds, tables and table aprons.

History:

It has been used for thousands of years in east Asian timber framing and furniture making.

Tools required for this joint:

Combination square

Table saw with Dado stack and tenoning jig

Japanese hand saw

Chisels

Are there many ways to go about it?

There are many different ways the joint can be cut. Traditionally it was of course all done using hand tools (chisels, handsaws and planes). There are some videos on YouTube that show how to make this joint using a Japanese pull saw and coping saw instead of a table saw with a Dado stack.

How does it stand up to common stressors:

Multiple sources online called this one of the strongest joints in woodworking.

What role do materials play in this joint.

Using two different types of wood can really make this joint stand out. I would recommend using hardwood.