Comments on: Different Dovetail Joinery

By: Mark Maleski

Mark Maleski — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 15:05:57 +0000

Fair answer, Glen. I was thrown by your statement “The joint is a full-blind dovetail…” I thought perhaps you could see gaps or other indicators to confirm the joint. I can’t think of another joinery method that would hold so well over the years, so you’ve convinced me.

By: Steve

Steve — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 17:17:38 +0000

That’s a great looking joint! I think a standard (mitered) full blind dovetail would not look right here. Were you able to observe the joint at the back side of the desk or is it covered with a panel?

By: Glen D. Huey

Glen D. Huey — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 11:43:17 +0000

Thanks a great question, Mark. The top of the desk was held firm (for 200 plus years) and there are no signs of any other joinery method, or nails. I suppose the desk top could have been doweled to the side, but that seems highly unlikely given the quality of the work elsewhere on the desk. In your opinion, what joinery method could have been used? Anyone? The only way to confirm the connection would be to dismantle the desk, or possibly to have it x-rayed.

By: Mark Maleski

Mark Maleski — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 02:31:07 +0000

If it is fully blind, how could you tell this joinery method was was used on the original period piece?