In a miter, the joining pieces are cut at a 45-degree angle
and joined to form a right angle. Miters are used for decorative
molding and for frames. They are very weak and are often reinforced
with dowels, spline, or mechanical fasteners. Many cabinet-type pieces
have mitered comer joints, almost always reinforced by dowels or by a
plywood spline running the length of each joint. In less expensive
furniture, miter joints can be supported with a strip of wood nailed or
screwed to the inside corner of the joint. Sometimes triangular glue
blocks are used for strength; the blocks can be reinforced by screws.
