Replies

1. 
   joinerswork | Mar 07, 2008 01:48am | #1

   Disputantum,

   Funny you should bring this up.  I recently had in the shop, a semi-old case ( about 25-40 yrs old) that was dovetailed together just this way- ending with a tail rather than a half- pin at the top of the corner.  I remarked to myself, "Self, this is unusual.  Don't know that I've seen this construction on a period piece, I wonder if the builder of this box was winging it, or going on some precedent I have not noticed before?"

   Don't you know, this week, I got a repair job in, an old (mid 1800's) miniature blanket chest, that was put together the exact same way!

   As far as a reason not to, both of these pieces had noticeable gaps at the top corner, where the tail side of the joint had moved, or opened up the joint a bit.  If the corner had ended in a half-pin, the gap would not have been so noticeable, from the top, at least.

   Ray

2. 
   Buster2000 | Mar 07, 2008 03:18am | #2

   It seems to me that a half tail at the end may allow the wood to cup should it decide to.  After all there is no mechanical connection (a pin has the dovetail angle) as all you have is an end grain glue bond.

   Even ignoring a chance of cupping I would assume that the joint strength would be slightly decreased by not having that mechanical connection at either end of the joint...

   Just a guess.  I suspect that the look probably has as much to do with it as anything.

1. 
   gspman | Mar 07, 2008 05:10am | #3

   I often use a half-tail at the end, depending on the design.  If it is a jewelry box, or a blanket chest etc where the long edge of the box will be a focal point when the door or lid is opened, I like to have the long grain run the full length of the box, which is what using a half-tail does for me.  Using a half pin to end on makes it look like the long side was let into (in between) the shorter side, which I think looks clunky.

   Steve

1. 
   saschafer | Mar 07, 2008 05:25am | #4

   "Using a half pin to end on makes it look like the long side was let into (in between) the shorter side, which I think looks clunky."

   That's only true if you put the tails on the front and back pieces. If the tails are on the side pieces (which seems to be the more typical orientation), then you get the look you want with a half pin.

   -Steve

    

1. 
   gspman | Mar 07, 2008 03:47pm | #6

   That's true.  Most of my work has the tails on the longer side of the box, so I often end on half-tails for that reason.  I guess my point is more that it's about the aesthetics of the joint nowadays, with modern glue and KD lumber and all.  I still variably space my tails/pins too (more towards the outsides of the joint), which was traditional and helped keep the joints tight.  Not necessary now, but looks nice ;-)

    

   Steve

2. 
   user-83153 | Mar 07, 2008 06:40am | #5

   Buster has it exactly right. A joint that ends in a half tail allows the board to cup.

                     Rob

3. 
   Disputantum | Mar 07, 2008 10:30pm | #7

   Thanks to everyone for your input. I went with the half-tails for several reasons. If I have problems later, I'll file a report.

   ne sutor ultra crepidam:  Disputantum Semirotten Woodworking