Replies

1. 
   Lee_Patz | Apr 23, 2001 07:45pm | #1

   *
   Forgive me if I don't use all the proper terminology or descriptions, I have done very little wood working since I was in High School and that was a looong time ago. I'll try to describe what I've found as best I can.
   My wife inherited a Cedar blanket chest (about 16" high, 42" wide and 14" deep). At least I think those are the dimensions.
   Some of the edge joints, (top, front and back, have split). When I first looked at these 3/4" boards, I thought they had been edge jointed using tongue and groove, but it's actually a single dovetail run the full length of the boards. All of the solid panels are edge-jointed pieces ranging in size from 2" to 6". I even found a 3" piece that was lap jointed with this dovetail over a 44" run.
   The end grain of the top piece has been covered with mitered edging and the end panels are rabbet into the front and back panels. Long explanation just to say there is little, if any end grain showing.
   I have several questions,
   What do you call this type of joinery and what period or time frame was it used (trying to get an idea of when this chest might have been built)?
   Any suggestions for putting this chest back together as all of the basic carcass joints have come unglued.
   I would also want to reassemble exposing the most amount of this unique dovetail joint as possible.
   This Cedar is very dry and very brittle, so any suggestions on conditioning, finishing, and joinery will be greatly appreciated.

1. 
   Major_H._Patterson | Apr 24, 2001 12:45pm | #2

   *Lee: I`m not sure that I can properly visualize the construction that you describe.Would it be possible for you to post a photo? PAT

1. 
   Lee_Patz | Apr 24, 2001 04:33pm | #3

   *Pat,I don't have access to a digital camera or scanner right now but maybe this bit mapped drawing will help.

1. 
   Danford_C._Jennings | Apr 24, 2001 05:59pm | #4

   *Lee,My vote is for: "dovetailed tongue and groove" unless they are not glued, then I would vote for "sliding dovetail".If you you want to expose them, rabbet both corners (half lap), but I would be a little concerned about strength.Dano

1. 
   Major_H._Patterson | Apr 24, 2001 10:04pm | #5

   *Lee: Join the family of meagerly equipped posters.I dont have a computer.My web tv terminal will not open some of the attachments.I will browse the next few postings and try to discover how your chest is made. Maybe some kind soul will post the open attachment as part of the thread. Someone on the web will be able to answer your questions. PAT

2. 
   Sgian_Dubh | Apr 25, 2001 05:35am | #6

   *Try this Major. I should have reduced the file before reposting it, hence my earlier deleted message. The old Bitmap was 867 KB, a bit large. Try this in JPEG format. The blue link below is the same image. No need to click on it. Sliante, RJ

3. 
   Major_H._Patterson | Apr 25, 2001 12:59pm | #7

   *Thank you for the simplified version. I grew a long grey beard waiting for the download on the original post. The joint is as I expected. Seems a strange way to edge join boards.I use the joint on occasion for breadboard ends.Lee wonders when the chest was built.I suspect it was after the advent of the electric router.If this joint had been glued,I don`t see how a 40" section could have been assembled.Unless, of course,it was terribly sloppy to begin with. Have a good day PAT