Frame Dovetails

: THE DOVETAIL JOINT

is a sketch of a constructional frame such as is used for building up a cornice or plinth. At the joint marked A an edge barefaced dovetail is shown. From the separated sketches of the joint (B) it will be seen that the dovetail can be put together either from the top or the bottom of the framing as all its edges are parallel; glue is relied upon to hold it in position. The centre stretcher rail at is similar, except that in this case it is a complete dovetail in place of a barefaced o
e.



Fig. 284.—Constructional Frame (as for Plinth or Cornice)  showing application of the Dovetail Joint. Fig. 284.—Constructional Frame (as for Plinth or Cornice) showing application of the Dovetail Joint.


Some workers, when making either of the above joints, prefer to give a slight bevel to the dovetail, so that it drives tightly into the housing when put together.



A variation of this type of dovetail is frequently used to joint internal uprights to the horizontal shelves of writing desks, cabinets, and bookcases, etc. The dovetailed portion is parallel for about three-fourths of its width; the remaining part is tapered towards the front edge and notched away at the face so as to conceal the method of construction. An illustration of the top portion of a division 14 ins. wide is shown at . The other portion is of course dovetailed to fit it.





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