Most of the railroad ties I'm familiar with usually have an 'S' piece of
metal hammered into the end to reduce checking. The rest of the tie is
checked enough that you can find gravel in them. They're about 8" square,
although they can vary. I've never seen a new one, just used, though. Not
exactly material for fancy joinery.

Half laps are really good to do, but be on the look out for the 'S' & other
debris. I've used galvanized spikes to put them together, but if I just
want them to sit still in the ground, I drill a 7/16" hole through them &
pound a 2' length of 3/8" rebar through them into the ground. They tend to
stay put pretty well. I agree with digging them an inch or so into the
ground, too. A mower can clip them & move them otherwise.

Jim

"Stan Mulder" wrote in message
newsan.2005.05.21.19.13.18.803688@intrepidsoftwa re.com...
I've been asked to help a friend replace some old rotting railroad ties
lining a garden area. This time they want to join the ties together in
some way and since I'm not very knowledgeable about woodworking I thought
you guys could give me some ideas. The ties will be just one layer high.
There are four 90 degree angles since the garden is rectangular. The
straight areas will need several ties joined together and I'm not sure
what type of cuts/splices/dowels to use to fasten these things together.
They are fairly large pieces of wood. Any ideas and/or photos are greatly
appreciated.

Stan