Dovetail orientation

On Oct 5, 11:15=A0pm, Zz Yzx <[email protected]> wrote:
> I have a small shop with limited make-up space. =A0So I build small
> projects like keepsake boxes, miniature chest's of drawer, and the
> like.
>
> I sometimes use dovetails in the cases. =A0I'm wondering if there is a
> "classical" or other convention for the dovetail orientation, i.e.:
> pins facing up/side; tails facing up/side.
>
> Any comments appreciated.

The tail acts as a wedge and won't allow the adjoining piece to slide
out. That's why the boards with the tails are on the sides of the
drawers - the tails keep the joint from being pulled apart when the
drawer is opened. If it's a box or something where the load/stress is
pretty uniform, it's a matter of taste. I usually prefer to see more
tail and less pin, but I reserve the right to arbitrarily change my
mind. ;)

R

"Leon" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Zz Yzx" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>>I have a small shop with limited make-up space. So I build small
>> projects like keepsake boxes, miniature chest's of drawer, and the
>> like.
>>
>> I sometimes use dovetails in the cases. I'm wondering if there is a
>> "classical" or other convention for the dovetail orientation, i.e.:
>> pins facing up/side; tails facing up/side.
>>
>> Any comments appreciated.
>>
>> Thanks a heap,
>> -Zz
>
> For strength and uniformity DT joints are best begun and ended with half
> tails and they are generally on the piece that will be pulled.

Hmmm.... half pins? Gotta assume a half thought there! Half tails leaves a
half tail floating in the air... not to say it hasn't been done though. I've
seen real Shaker pieces with half tails... probably by a new guy. ;~)

John

"Zz Yzx" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>I have a small shop with limited make-up space. So I build small
> projects like keepsake boxes, miniature chest's of drawer, and the
> like.
>
> I sometimes use dovetails in the cases. I'm wondering if there is a
> "classical" or other convention for the dovetail orientation, i.e.:
> pins facing up/side; tails facing up/side.
>
> Any comments appreciated.
>
> Thanks a heap,
> -Zz

For strength and uniformity DT joints are best begun and ended with half
tails and they are generally on the piece that will be pulled.