I’ve dovetails in an area of a project that isn’t visible. Unfortunately they are considerably loose and I need the joint to be structrually sound. I was thinking a quick fix, since the joint is not visible, would be to use an epoxy which during assembly would fill any gap.
Anyone think this is a good/bad idea or have a recommendation for a specific epoxy?
I appreciate any comments!
– John
Replies
A better solution would be to glue small pieces of veneer to the pins and tails and then to plane or sand them to provide a good fit. Since they won't show, you don't need to worry about concealing the fix. A loose-fitting dovetail will eventually work loose because of the expansion and contraction of the wood over a period of time. Same is true for mortise and tenon joints.
Jim
Sir I have made a few dovetails that did not fit..As I wanted,,,
I filled the bad joints with shellac and done with my mistakes,, I still remember them but not sure others ever noticed?
Sort of like my wife that put up with me.. And somebody thought of hammering in slivers of wood into the joints.. I agree IF you have slivers of wood to do it with
I like epoxy
I think it is a good solution to your problem but I am a big epoxy fan. The bad news is it will cost you some money to get set up to use it correctly. My favorite is MAS Epoxy. http://www.masepoxies.com I normally buy it from http://www.jamestowndistributors.com Be sure to get the slow epoxy. It gives you a long time to work it before it starts to set. 3 to 4 times what you get with normal glue. For it to work properly you need to get a filler. I almost always use wood flour. You can’t use sawdust!! Don’t even think of it. The color of the epoxy and wood flour matches the wood and blends well once it is sanded out. It also planes and sands well. Once you put it together it will need to set overnight.
There are a lot of cautions about using epoxy and you need to heed all of them.
If you have more questions, contact me.
Bob
No expert on the subject here but
The Germans regularly cut the pins loose on purpose then wedged them by a kerf in the middle of each pin. Made really strong shipping crates and coffers.
I think there is an article here some where on a painted wood wedding chest built with wedged pin dovetail joints.
Not saying epoxy wouldn't work. I like System Three brand. I agree that precautions and studying up and expense are not to be ignored. The mix must be WELL mixed.
Need more elaboration on the veneer. I remember seeing that in an article/book. Maybe Tage Frid's.
What kind of wood?
Harder woods, like maple, may not like all this fudging. Might be best to make new components.
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