dovetail joint

Dionysus

Well-Known Member
A method of wood-joinery that is still used today mainly in cabinetry. At one time traditional wood-joinery techniques were the strongest methods for building.

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This image shows a "Full Through Dovetail" as seen in cabinetry.
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Dovetail Dado

The strength of a dove-tail joint lies in the interlocking method of connection, where the wood itself prevents movement. This joint is also glued, the glue providing mammoth strength. The joint is as strong as (or stronger) than the wood itself if done properly.

You'll notice that the Full through Dovetail is very similar to a Finger joint.

Also there is the Dovetail Dado, where a single long dovetail "Tenon" fits into a long dovetail "mortise". This is also a very strong wood-joint.

Traditional wood-joinery usually uses no screws or nails as they were expensive and needed to be made by hand by blacksmiths. A well glued traditional wood-join is actually much stronger than a nailed joint, or even a screwed joint in some cases.
 
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