steve voigt
Hi Derek, regarding the quality of saw plates in the 18th c., you really ought to get a copy of the Seaton book. There is a lengthy discussion of how excellent the grinding of the saw plates is, all done by hand and eye. Fascinating stuff. I doubt very much that saw quality is a major factor. Probably the biggest reason for "scruffy dovetails" is that DT's were rarely exposed in 18th/19th c furniture. Brian's comments about age and wear are also relevant.