weekend_sawyer

Much has already been said, but I felt I had to put in my 2 cents' worth this time. I see no problem with a pinned rabbet joint if it fills the need for the purpose of a particular piece. There is rarely only one answer in woodworking, whether it is joinery, technique, or finish work. The dovetail sholud be in everyone's toolbox, because it is attractive, and amazingly strong. I built an oak desk using dovetails or sliding dovetails throughout, and ended up with a desk which was solid without an glue. It was an interesting exercise, and I did glue it all together in the end, but this doesn't mean all desks should be built this way. Part of the enjoyment of this hobby for me is the endless variety. If we proclaim that only a dovetail is the proper joint for a particular purpose, we destroy that variety. Also, before anyone gets too "elitist" regarding the dovetail, they should study Japanese or Chinese joinery techniques. The complexity and strength of some of these joints puts the dovetail to shame.