BRIDGE BUILDING

[michael evans]

Hi all, i have been asked to make 3 little arched bridges for some local childminding gruops/nurseries.They will be 4feet long 18" high with handrail 14" wide all made of 6"x2".What i have to do is edge jion 2/ 6"x2" 4feet long and then draw out the arch on these boards and cut it to shape.My problem is how to edge jion these 2 boards ,biscuits not strong enough.I wondered about pocket holes and kreg exterior screws plus glue or 3/4" dowels and glue if i make a jig up.And maybe a 4"x2" placed horizontally along the back edge where the 2 boards jion the 4"x2" will not be seen.Any ideas people? simplicity and strength is what i am striving for.

[Jay Boutwell]

Michael, if I was doing this project I would lay out the material and cut the arch.  Then bore and insert steel dowels as long as I could and set them in epoxy.  I would use a polyurethane glue to bond the 2"x 6" together.  This would insure a strong rock solid bond.   

[michael evans]

Hi jay, hows it going?Thanks for the advice jay but allready committed to james wilhelms idea.Half lap jionts then pocket holes and polyurethane glue [got that bit right jay ha ha]Also placeing 2 vertical braces on the inside glued and screwed,wont be seen as on inside.In addittion the handrail posts will be bolted to the 6"x2"s as addittional vertical braceing plus a horizontal handrail.Allways grateful of good advice especially from the master.