What are Houndstooth dovetails used for?

[deema]

Does anyone know if there is a 'proper' application that specifically requires a houdstooth dovetail? They are beautiful when well executed, but what was the origin of the joint?

 

[Benchwayze]

Deema.

For any situation that calls for carcass dovetails. One could claim that there is greater gluing surface, and say they are superior to ordinary through dovetails, but mainly they are for show. IMHO. :wink:

 

[bugbear]

I think they're for impressing the onlooker wih your skills. Personally I think they're ugly, regardless of the skill.

BugBear

 

[Benchwayze]

The fact is BB, there is more surface area for gluing. Whether or not that makes any difference is arguable. it probably does, but I tend to agree with you. They just look 'flash'; a lot of fuss for nothing. It's nice to be able to cut them neatly, but for gilding the lily, I'd sooner see 'proud' dovetails, as per the Barnsley school .

 

[deema]

Thanks, I have been downing a bit of internet searching since posting the question and found a very brief reference from America that they were originally used to hide the groove for inserts such as a draw bottom. Does this sound sensible?

 

[bugbear]

The fact is BB, there is more surface area for gluing. Whether or not that makes any difference is arguable. it probably does, but I tend to agree with you.

Per Kirby, a normal dovetail is overkill for most purposes - that's why there's so much "design envelope" left for decorative decisions.

BugBear

 

[Benchwayze]

Were I making a box for seed packets in the potting-shed, or notelets by the 'phone, then maybe a dovetail would be overkill ... But for any 'box' type job, that needs to be robust; trays, drawers, sliding shelves, heavy carcase work etc., I think dovetails are the better job. But that's me BB!

 

[bugbear]

Were I making a box for seed packets in the potting-shed, or notelets by the 'phone, then maybe a dovetail would be overkill ... But for any 'box' type job, that needs to be robust; trays, drawers, sliding shelves, heavy carcase work etc., I think dovetails are the better job. But that's me BB!

I think I've made Kirby's point badly.

The "full on DT" joint (1:1 "carpenter's dovetails") are so over-strong, you can vary your DT parameters away from this ultimate point guided by aesthetics or taste, not engineering.

BugBear