Gene ,yes it is a very old style locking joint .The school was built at that time so I presume contractors were ask to do these and use that joint for that ventilation piece.One thing for sure they did not come appart.Notice the wedges that draws the two pieces together.Looks like one guy took one month with hand tools to create that
Frank with this kind of joint I was also wandering if glue was used at all.This piece has been expose to the outdoor elememts for many years but its just done its time so needs replacing.
Jeff the timber timber is being source cos I need wiiiiiide pieces,probably oregon or something like that.
Joe ,this is part of a contract so I got a looooooooot of work .Dont have yet another picture.Funny you asl about the louvers they are set in like in a curve dado but only half od the timber thickness whick is 3 inc thick.
Those joints takes time but I dont have to use the same technic to assemble them ,we are now in the 21 century
.Time is not on my side as I have tons of stuff to do .Got another two guys busy now.
Will show you more when I get fresh stuff done.
Have Fun
Francois