18th Century Question

[woodcamp]

I'm building the 18th Century PA Secretary using Lonnie Bird's 3 piece series.

After reading the thread about sliding DTs I get the impression the top would be attached to the base using sliding DTs.
I intend to sell this so I'm trying to keep to maintain the period techniques.
If not sliding DTs, what method were they using 200+ years ago?

 

[Jeff L Headley]

By secretary I assume you mean desk and bookcase. I am not familiar with your 3 part series. The book case just sets on the desk wrapped by mold. Sometimes screws will be seen holding top to base. Blind dovetails for both top and bottom of desk case. Sliding dovetails will be used at the rails ( blades ) and for the writing surface ( interior) and at the pediment sometimes.

 

[woodcamp]

By secretary I assume you mean desk and bookcase. I am not familiar with your 3 part series. The book case just sets on the desk wrapped by mold. Sometimes screws will be seen holding top to base. Blind dovetails for both top and bottom of desk case. Sliding dovetails will be used at the rails ( blades ) and for the writing surface ( interior) and at the pediment sometimes.

Yes that's the general idea. The 3 parts were in FWW Feb. thru June 2002.
There's no pediment, the upper case uses crown moldings wrapped around the rectangular top.

Whenever I build a 2 piece like a china cabinet, I like to drill holes in the bottom of the upper case to align with holes in the top of the lower case. Then glue short dowels in the base so when you slide the upper case on it fits exactly where it is intended to go.

The bad thing about doing this is you're pretty limited to using the top all of the time. Although why would anyone not want to use the upper case.

BTW, 5th generation cabinet maker. I'm quite impressed.

 

[Jeff L Headley]

Mould will usually hold the bookcase in place. Screws added for tipping. You will see round alignment pins occasionally but might they be added at a later date?