dovetail dimensions
- Thread starter neophyte
- Start date
Neophyte,
I suspect that the lack of any responses to this point is that your question is not amenable to a brief general answer.
Perhaps if you were to focus on a particular target, you might get some responses here.
I can also suggest starting with references to some particular pieces that interest you, and learning about them in the many reference books available these days.
Karl
I suspect that the lack of any responses to this point is that your question is not amenable to a brief general answer.
Perhaps if you were to focus on a particular target, you might get some responses here.
I can also suggest starting with references to some particular pieces that interest you, and learning about them in the many reference books available these days.
Karl
I don't believe the dimensions and proportions of dove tails relate necessarily to furniture periods. I think you could say that in general they get finer later in history from the 17th century up to the industrial revolution. I think dove tails are more related to the individual craftsman and his or her ability.
Tom
Tom
Mark Arnold
Well-known member
I'm not sure if dovetail angles can be assigned to certain periods. It seems to be more a function of the woods being used (hardwood vs softwood) and, as already stated, individual taste. You might glean a kernel or two from this thread: http://www.sapfm.org/forum/index.php?topic=1188.0.
jacon4
Well-known member
dovetail dimensions on drawers?
I dont think there are any guidelines. Most of the period pieces i see seem to have the drawer dovetails cut by someone other than the guy who built the case, perhaps an apprentice? The reason i say this is because when you look at the joinery thats visible its obvious that it was done by an expert however, pull out a drawer and the dovetails often look as though someone cut them with their feet.
I suspect 18th century cabinetmakers spent their time where it mattered, on the joinery that was seen & let others less skilled do the hidden joinery.
I dont think there are any guidelines. Most of the period pieces i see seem to have the drawer dovetails cut by someone other than the guy who built the case, perhaps an apprentice? The reason i say this is because when you look at the joinery thats visible its obvious that it was done by an expert however, pull out a drawer and the dovetails often look as though someone cut them with their feet.
I suspect 18th century cabinetmakers spent their time where it mattered, on the joinery that was seen & let others less skilled do the hidden joinery.