Following are some dimensions for deckle joints. I make two ‘weights’ of deckles; ‘light’ and ‘standard’ (which correspond to ‘light’ and ‘standard’ moulds). I have long felt that small moulds tend to be overbuilt and have recently ‘slimmed down’ the wooden parts of those smaller than about 16″ x 20″.
These joints are based on the old deckle joint that I examined in post #32. Do not rely on these figures as cutting dimensions; use them only as a guide to understanding the proportions when designing your own version.
An Important Consideration
It is important that the channel behind the deckle rim is not so deep as to interfere with the joint. The photo above shows a narrow margin of ‘extra wood’ between the ‘bottom’ of the channel and the overhanging part of the joint. The black lines have been added to describe the shape of the deckle part prior to a joint being cut there. This shows how the shape of the part relates to the joint cut on its end.
There would be a problem if this same deckle part had a channel cut this deep. A gap would be created where the arrows point. It is good to keep this in mind when designing the joint.
Dimensions of Deckle Stock
Both light and standard weights of deckle stock are described in inches and millimeters.
| Light Deckle/inch | Light Deckle/mm | Regular Deckle/inch | Regular Deckle/mm |
| F = 3/4″ | F = 19mm | F = 7/8″ | F = 22.2mm |
| G = 7/16″ | G = 11.1mm | G = 1/2″ | G = 12.7mm |
| 1/2F = 3/8″ * | 1/2F = 9.5mm * | 1/2F = 7/16″ * | 1/2F = 11.1mm * |
*This measurement is approximate and is left oversize until after the joints are cut in order to facilitate creating the special deckle rim curvature. (See post #38)
| Light Deckle/inch | Light Deckle/mm | Regular Deckle/inch | Regular Deckle/mm |
| 1 = 1-1/8″ | 1 = 28.6mm | 1 = 1-1/4″ | 1 = 31.8mm |
| 2 = 7/16″ * | 2 = 11mm * | 2 = 1/2″ * | 2 = 12.7mm * |
| 6 = 3/16″ | 6 = 4.8mm | 6 = 1/4″ | 6 = 6.4mm |
*The dimension given is the final dimension; it is used when planning the mould and deckle fit (posts #5 and #30). This is left oversize until after the joints are finished (see post #37).
Sample Dimensions of Deckle Joint Parts
The charts give dimensions for two sizes of deckles in inches and millimeters.
Use this table of vertical dimensions for the photos immediately above and below.
| Light Deckle/inch | Light Deckle/mm | Regular Deckle/inch | Regular Deckle/mm |
| A = 9/32″ | A = 7.1mm | A = 5/16″ | A = 8mm |
| B = 3/16″ | B = 4.8mm | B = 1/4″ | B = 6.4mm |
| C = 9/32″ | C = 7.1mm | C = 5/16″ | C = 8mm |
| D = 5/32″ | D = 4mm | D = 3/16″ | D = 4.8mm |
| E = 1/8″* | E = 3.2mm* | E = 1/8″* | E = 3.2mm* |
| F = 3/4″ | F = 19mm | F = 7/8″ | F = 22.2mm |
*This dimension is the same in both deckles. It is impractical to make the slot any narrower than this.
Use this table of horizontal measurements for the photos immediately above and below.
| Light Deckle/inch | Light Deckle/mm | Regular Deckle/inch | Regular Deckle/mm |
| 1 = 1-1/8″ | 1 = 28.6mm | 1 = 1-1/4″ | 1 = 31.8mm |
| 2 = 7/16″ | 2 = 11.1mm | 2 = 1/2″ | 2 = 12.7mm |
| 3 = 1″ | 3 = 25.4mm | 3 = 1-1/8″ | 3 = 28.6mm |
| 4 = 11/16″ | 4 = 17.5mm | 4 = 3/4″ | 4 = 19mm |
| 5 = 7/16″ | 5 = 11mm | 5 = 1/2″ | 5 = 12.7mm |
| 6 = 3/16″ | 6 = 4.8mm | 6 = 1/4″ | 6 = 6.4mm |
Some Dimensions for the Mortise End
I make this end of the joint first. I ‘shoot’ for the dimensions shown and then ‘make’ the other side fit. Slight dimensional errors made when cutting this side of the joint can be corrected with corresponding adjustments to the other side. Not all dimensions are given here; some must be deduced from the previous photos).
| Light Deckle/inch | Light Deckle/mm | Standard Deckle/inch | Standard Deckle/mm |
| 1 = 1-1/8″ | 1 = 28.6mm | 1 = 1-1/4″ | 1 = 31.8mm |
| 2 = 7/16″ | 2 = 11.1mm | 2 = 1/2″ | 2 = 12.7mm |
| 3 = 1″ | 3 = 25.4mm | 3 = 1-1/8″ | 3 = 28.6mm |
| 4 = 11/16″ | 4 = 17.5mm | 4 = 3/4″ | 4 = 19mm |
| 5 = 7/16″ | 5 = 11.1mm | 5 = 1/2″ | 5 = 12.7mm |
| C = 9/32″ | C = 7.1mm | C = 5/16″ | C = 8mm |
When making his joint the part labeled with the red “X” would not yet be trimmed away.
Timothy Moore Bookbinding Tools 