I am building 5 individual bookcases(total of 15 feet) that will be built-in. When I build free standing bookcases I use a sliding dovetail for the bottom shelf. For this project, with each unit attached to each other and to the wall, do you think using a dado for the bottom shelf is ok. It will be faster for me to get the project done, but I will do a dovetail if that seems better. Appreciate your comments.
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Replies
A sliding dovetail is stronger but that would be relative here. I have been working on making tight straight sliding dovetails, not the tapered variety. Interested in other opinions.
Use the dovetails on the outside units where a smack from a vac could open it up. The inside ones aren't going anywhere. If you are worried about them add a coupla screws where they'll never be seen.
The overall structure should be very rigid once the units are joined to each other and attached to the wall. Therefore, I think a regular dado on the bottom shelf would suffice. If you like, add some hidden screws for extra insurance.
I'm just went through this exact situation a couple of months ago. I am making Becksvoort's 15 drawer shaker chest. Becksvoort used sliding dovetails on his. It's beyond my hand tool skill at this point (though I will do them on a future project) and I don't own a machine router. I wanted more than just a dado to secure the horizontal pieces. What I did was on the bottom and middle of this piece was to also include a through tenon. On the outside of this tenon, I made it a total of 1/8" wider than the inside. When I glue it up soon, I will use wedges on the through tenon so there is more than just glue holding the sides together. Is it necessary? Probably not but I will feel much better about it.
I have been working on making sliding, not tapered, dovetails, I am using a collar and two routers to form the base and a router table with the dovetail bit to form the insert. I have been getting good results.
The dado will be more than adequate with modern adhesives. Anything that will break that will also break a sliding dovetail.
Even Ikea stuff made of really crap panels and a couple of screws will last 10-15 years - a lifetime if it is not moved.
In the end, even if a sliding dovetail is three times as strong as a dado joint, the dado is still five times stronger than it needs to be.
+1 on what the last poster said. If you’re a Cosman neophyte he believes dadoes are enough. If it’s good enough for him it’s good enough for me.