Shaker Inspiration, by Christian Becksvoort
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This is a good book by Christian Becksvoort, with some useful tips right from the start, and nice photos. I’d recommend it.
One thoughtful( although time consuming) approach to building a cabinet back entails essentially making a 5/8″ thick “door”, a frame-and-panel unit to carefully fit into a rabbet in the back of the carcase.
He apparently always does it one way: 5/8 ” thick, bridle joints at the top , and mortise/tenon joints at the bottom, with rails and top stile all quartersawn and 1 1/2″ to 1 5/8″ wide, to minimize movement. I understand the rationale for these things, except for the insistence on bridle joints at the top, mortise and tenon at the bottom. Why that particular combination? Anyone know?
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I wouldn't want to speak for him, but the top rail is constrained by the rebate on both sides and the top, so has no where to go. The bottom rail often has nothing below it for support.
I started making all my backs as frame and panels a long time ago. I'm not getting paid, so the extra time is my own. My technique has evolved a little. I used to use mortises and tenons for the frame, and now use Dominos. I still use traditional joinery on doors. But on a back altered in a mortise there are no racking or other forces at play, and Dominos are plenty good.
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