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Do you glue sliding dovetails?
Sliding dovetails provide several advantages over a dado joint. First, they’re stronger because they don’t rely solely on glue. Second, the shoulders of the dovetailed piece hide the edges of the slot, much as a tenoned workpiece hides a mortise.
What is a sliding dovetail joint used for?
Sliding dovetails are used in many applications where traditional dovetail joinery is not possible, such as shelf to upright joints, bread board edges and drawer dividers. The interlocking strength of the dovetail is maintained and the joint can be decorative or made invisible.
How big of a dovetail bit should I use?
There are a few guidelines when choosing a dovetail bit. Generally speaking, the larger the bit, the stronger the joint. However, don’t use a bit that is wider at its tip than the thickness of the part that will have the dovetail tenon on its end.
What should the depth of the dovetail groove be?
Try to keep the depth of the dovetail groove between 1/3 and 1/2 the thickness of the part. For example, if the gable of a chest of drawers is 3/4″ thick, machine the dovetail groove between 1/4″ and 3/8″ deep. Any deeper and you will weaken the gable too much. The first of the two parts to machine is the dovetail groove.
How to make sliding dovetails out of wood?
Lay out the location of one side of each slot. Align one inside edge of the jig with this line and trace along the opposite inside edge. Install the bushing and spiral downcut bit, and set the bit’s cutting depth to 1⁄16 ” less than the final depth of the slot. Clamp the jig along the layout lines and rout across the panel, photo below.
Which is better a sliding dovetail or a dado joint?
Sliding dovetails provide several advantages over a dado joint. First, they’re stronger because they don’t rely solely on glue. Second, the shoulders of the dovetailed piece hide the edges of the slot, much as a tenoned workpiece hides a mortise. And the exposed dovetail provides a visible signature of your craftsmanship.