Is it possible to join the end nodes of two separate paths together, forming one single path?

Before you can join the paths of two seperate objects you need to make them one object by doing performing a Union first. You can then join the end nodes by selecting them with and clicking the appropriate button from the Tools Control Bar.

combine works as well as union for this.

I found that union turned the two paths into closed loops, whereas union left the loops open for me to perform the operation I intended (maybe there was a way to re-open the loops afterwards. The Inkscape truly is an amazing thing!

seans_potato_biz wrote:I found that union turned the two paths into closed loops, whereas union [combine] left the loops open for me to perform the operation I intended

Just correcting your statement. Thanks for clarifying the behaviour - I didn't know this.

Thanks (for the correction), no problem and thanks again (for the reply)!