I just routed my first set of dovetails this week and they seemed to work great but I have a few questions.
First, how tight should they fit? I am using the Incra system and have gotten the dovetails pretty exact (after many hours of setting up and trial and error). Just not sure how much room I need to leave for glue. There doesn’t even seem to be a need for it but I know I have to glue it up for the long-term.
Second, is there any rule of thumb as to how many tails you should have? I am routing half-blind dovetails so they won’t be seen. So if you are not concerned about the design, how many tails should you have and how big should they be? Or does it really matter?
Third, I am trying to save on wood so I am using some birch veneered, 3/4″ plywood. Good idea? bad idea?
Thanks for your help in advance.
Replies
Hi Jerry,
I'll take a whack at your questions. First, congratulations on your first dovetails; it's the best joint to learn how to make. Now, on to your questions.
1. They should fit well enough that they stay together without glue but you don't have to beat them together or apart with a mallet or your fist. I prefer a slide fit that can be done with my two hands, without strain on my face.
2. How many and how large the dovetails is a matter of personal preference to me although I'm sure there is some kind of formula. I like a half tail at the top and bottom of a drawer and at least 3 full tails between them. That gives four pins and a nice look. I prefer to use odd numbers of full tails which puts a tail in the middle of the drawer; others prefer even numbers and a pin in the middle. Experiment on scrap and see what you like. Practice makes perfect.
3. Plywood - my experience has been that it makes for a weak joint in the long run. The short grain in part of the tails just doesn't seem to hold. I know that it's supposed to act like solid wood. It doesn't! Just my two cents.
Hope this helps and feel free to ask for further clarification.
Regards,
Kell
Kell,
Thanks for the advice. I think I might switch to 1/2" poplar. Eventually I'll buy a band saw so I can resaw 3/4".
Jerry
Jerry
Switching to poplar and getting a BS eventually are both wise moves you won't regret!
Regards...
sarge..jtProud member of the : "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
Jerry,
I just got a bandsaw so I could resaw for draws, etc. Before that I would saw 5/4 stock on the table saw at full height....and use a sabre saw if the sides were to wide. I tried doing some resawing with a home made frame saw.....sure glad i got a BS now....lol
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