Replies

1. 
   rwdare | Jul 17, 2006 02:44am | #1

   Attach the sides to the bottom with a stopped sliding dovetail.

1. 
   user-177861 | Jul 17, 2006 04:53am | #3

   Thank you for your input. I'm not sure exactly how this is done but I will look into it.

   Tim V

2. 
   9619 | Jul 17, 2006 05:13pm | #6

   rw,
   I have never made sliding dovetails that are 18" long. When you do that, do you make both the tail and the slot tapered, or do you remove sections of the tail, or what? I have seen photos of both and am about to attempt some long sliding dovetails. What is your best advice on that, and on fitting them? Do you test the fit, all the way, before final glue up? If you do test them all the way, how tight is tight enough? I am sure this question has been asked a million times, and I apologize for not knowing. I have read too much, and now it is time to make some sawdust, but I would appreciate any advice you have, including where you think a good writeup on this subject is.
   Thanks,
   Mel

2. 
   SteveSchoene | Jul 17, 2006 04:35am | #2

   Why not just use solid panels for the sides.  These then could be joined directly to top and bottom without having to use tabletop fasteners since all the grain would run the same direction. (Across the widths of the top and bottom and up the sides.)  Half blind dovetails for the top and bottom would work, or you could use any other joinery you desired. 

1. 
   user-177861 | Jul 17, 2006 04:56am | #4

   Steve, thank you for the suggestion but the look I'm going for requires frame and panel sides.

   Tim V

3. 
   joinerswork | Jul 17, 2006 08:03am | #5

   Tim,

   Attach the bottom to the front, bottom rail.  Support the ends of the bottom in grooves (dadoes), cut across the ends, at the rails.  Let the back edge into a similar groove in the back's bottom rail;  the bottom will advance/recede into this groove as it moves.  No glue, except at the front, so it will float.  Allow for about 3/16" movement from summer to winter, mahogany is pretty stable.

   Regards,

   Ray

1. 
   user-177861 | Jul 17, 2006 06:02pm | #7

   Ray,

   Thank you for the advice I think I'll use it.

   Tim