Sliding dovetail case construction

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Jeff L Headley

Well-known member
There are many situation where a sliding dovetail for a case bottom might be your best bet. So how would you execute this joint? A Tapered joint. What a stupid question! Once a sliding dovetailed bottom fits it will usually only fit in one direction. Back to front or? I also recommend a half tail joint with the flat on the top side. Easily adjustable!
 

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A half tail tapered sliding joint (tapering front-to-back) is really the only consideration for anything more than a few inches in length, otherwise the joint will likely bind solid before it's fully seated in the final glue-up.

The business side is always the flat side.
 
While considering glue up of a tapered sliding half dovetailed joint (flat, business side, up and easily adjusted) where the case sides and the bottom shrink and swell in the same direction spot glue the back side of the dovetailed slot and on the dovetailed front edge of the bottom. As Jack Plane recommended front to back layout and final setup is always recommended and easier to fit.
 
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