Popular Woodworking 2006-08 № 156, страница 64

make the large single dovetail on these pieces, the first step is to cut a ³/4"-wide x VV'-deep rabbet on the ends. The shoulder of this rabbet adds strength and helps square the case during assembly.

The easiest way to cut the dovetail portion of this joint is with a few sure handsaw cuts. This is easy stuff, I assure you. First set your sliding T-bevel to 14° and mark out the shape of the male portion of the joint - the tail - on the front and back pieces.

Cut this with a backsaw - I use a Japanese dozuki - and clean up the cut and shoulder of the joint using a chisel.

Now transfer the shape of the dovetail onto the mating joint on your side pieces.

Use your backsaw to cut the female pin shape on your side pieces. Try to split the pencil line with your saw. Fit the pieces together and tweak the j oint with a chisel until it goes together smoothly and firmly.

Dry fit all your joints and make sure the pieces can be assembled easily. Then turn your attention to cutting the curves on the side pieces. The cutout on the bottom is a 5" radius. The top corners of the sides are rounded at a 2¹/4" radius. Cut these shapes with your jigsaw and smooth the cuts with coarse-grit sandpaper.

You don't need to cut the holes in the sides that will secure the top to the base yet; you'll bore those after the top is assembled.

Sand all your base parts and then glue up the base. Allow the bottom to float in its groove without glue. If you're going to paint your base, you can secure the joints with 18-gauge nails or cut nails for an authentic look.

The lid of the base is in two parts: the lid itself and a hinge board that is glued and nailed to the back of the base. Cut the hinge board to size so it fits tightly against the side pieces. Glue and nail it in place. To help support

I'm just about to begin cutting the dovetail portion on the notch. Here you can see the rabbet on the front and back pieces, plus the mating notches and the dados on the sides.

The rabbets on the front and back pieces also help you mark the joint on its mate. Press the tail board against your side pieces and mark the shape on the side. Then mark your cutlines on the inside and outside face of your side pieces.

The jigsaw is a two-handed tool. For maximum control, keep one hand on the tool and the other on the shoe when cutting the curves on the sides.

This is where you should take extra care when cutting. Cut it as close as you can and clean up the joint with a chisel if needed.

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Popular Woodworking August 2006