Replies

1. 
   JohnWW | Feb 25, 2008 06:47pm | #1

   The joint will be far stronger if the dowel goes through the tenon and back into the the foot assembly, but the dowel doesn't need to go all the way through, it only has to go about 3/4" into the far side of the foot.

   To prevent seizing during assembly, the diameter of the dowels should allow you to slip the dowels into their holes with only light pressure or gentle tapping, The offset between the holes in the foot and the leg is what will draw the joint tight, which is why you don't need the dowel to be a very tight fit.

   Getting a good fit for the dowel usually requires that you drive the dowels through a dowel plate first and that you drill clean consistent holes, preferably with a drill press. You may have to experiment with various bits to find one that gives you a good fit for the dowels.

   Be sure to chamfer the end of the dowel and use very little glue in the dowel hole, just a single drop smeared around the inside of the hole. Also, be careful when making the offset for the holes, it just needs to be a small amount. If the misalignment is too great the dowel won't be able to flex enough to drive into the far side of the foot. Personally I would only use two dowels in each joint the third dowel won't add any significant strength.

   John White

   
   

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   Edited 2/25/2008 2:52 pm ET by JohnWW

2. 
   Kretzer | Feb 26, 2008 03:49am | #2

   Thanks John

    

   what would you say would be a little offset.....like 1/32"  or less?  I do appreciate your help.

1. 
   JohnWW | Feb 26, 2008 06:54pm | #3

   I would try a fat 1/32" inch for the first leg and see how that works. You need to be precise about transferring the center of the hole in the foot to the tenon before you make the offset and don't forget to offset in the right direction: toward the shoulder of the tenon.John W.