Renata wrote:
> Any advantage to using dovetails on drawers made from birch ply?
Dovetails developed when furniture outlived the glue. A dovetail with a
failed glueline will still hang together.
With modern glues (and modern furniture lifetimes) this isn't so
relevant. A finger joint is just as strong, because the glue is doing
more work than any wedging action. It's also easier to cut fingers, so
that's what I'd do.
I only ever hand-cut dovetails. If I bother to use dovetails, then it's
because I'm trying to do the best hand work I can (and usually
dovetails thinner then routed ones). If I use the router jig or the
table saw, it's for finger joints.
"Renata" wrote in message
> Simply put...
>
> Any advantage to using dovetails on drawers made from birch ply? Is
> the extra strength worth the effort?
Mechanically, over other well founded joinery methods, no.
Aesthetically, perhaps ... even those who know _absolutely_ nothing about
woodworking, immediately recognize dovetails and will remark upon them ...
and those who remark, remember.
It's your decision.
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 12/25/06
Renata <barskir@not_myrealbox.com> wrote:
>Simply put...
>
>Any advantage to using dovetails on drawers made from birch ply? Is
>the extra strength worth the effort?
Advantage compared to what?
Dovetails versus brad-joined butt joint--yes, worth the effort.
Dovetails versus well-fit finger joints--not any better with modern
glues, but is it any harder to cut?
--
Alex -- Replace "nospam" with "mail" to reply by email. Checked infrequently.
"Renata" <barskir@not_myrealbox.com> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Simply put...
>
> Any advantage to using dovetails on drawers made from birch ply? Is
> the extra strength worth the effort?
>
> Renata
I've done it using a Leigh jig. You have to back up the plywood with scrap
to protect the veneer. The drawers were for a friend and it was worth it for
the wow! value. I'm not sure it was worth it otherwise.