Hi there,
I’m working on miter dovetails for the first time and I’ve made three where the miter part is not making contact with the other. I’ve attached an image. I’ve made sure to cut to the line and not past it but not matter what I do, there’s always a gap. If I want it to make contact, I have to push it together.
Ant ideas?
Thanks!
Replies
Glue in a thin shim, apply pressure with a miter clamp, and trim. If the gap is too narrow for a shim, open it up with a handsaw kerf.
Assuming there's a blind dovetail in there (another photo?)... the tail could be a bit too tall or the socket between the half pins too shallow. It could be a bit of both.
Since you have test pieces...
First, try overcutting the socket (deeper) and see if it seats. Second, pare or sand the top of the tail.
On your next try layout and cut 2 tails in a wider test piece, it will be easier to spot issues because it won't move as much. leave some extra material on both sides just past your miter line on the visible edges so you can sneak up on the fit.