Hi. Regarding a cabinet carcase with hand-cut joints:
I have completed wedged tenons and mortises connecting 22″ top and bottom rails to two 48″ posts. All went well and it holds together firmly sans glue. However, it is very slightly out of square (about 1/16 over 22″). I can pull the frame into square on my workbench but I would most like to have it be square when at rest so that, even when glued up, there is not constant pressure for it to snap back to the slightly racked position.
My naive plan is as follows: 1) Remove the wedges (hence loosening the joints slightly); 2) Move the piece into square so that it stays that way on its own; 3a) Make adjustments either by using thin shims on the shoulders where a gap may have opened; OR 3b) Reposition (by paring) two opposite mortises very slightly (one up 1/32, one down 1/32) and adjust the tenons the retain the tight fit.
What strategy would you recommend? It’s wonderful old reclaimed walnut and I cannot recut the entire joints. And it close to true. Thanks very much for your time.
-David Lane
Replies
David,
Set the piece on your bench with the wedges in place. Step back. How does it look? Does it look out of square? Is it teetering on the brink?
If not, and I suspect not, then live with the small amount of error, make adjustments in your doors or drawers and move on.
What I do think is important is figuring out why this happened so you can avoid it next time. It doesn't sound like you want to mess with it much. So don't. If the shoulders pull in tight, then call it as good as it gets and move on.
What our eye sees as makers, no one else sees. If you can make the piece work and it still looks good, then move on. Good luck. Gary
Thanks Gary. That was some truly wise advice and just what I needed. Obsessing on perfectionism has gotten me in trouble in the past. The alignment is indeed fine visually and I plan to follow your suggestion. It was really helpful to hear it from an expert. Thanks. And BTW, your book on joinery is my shop bible! Cheers! -David
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