I am building 5 individual bookcases(total of 15 feet) that will be built-in. When I build free standing bookcases I use a sliding dovetail for the bottom shelf. For this project, with each unit attached to each other and to the wall, do you think using a dado for the bottom shelf is ok. It will be faster for me to get the project done, but I will do a dovetail if that seems better. Appreciate your comments.
Dado or Sliding Dovetail
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Re: Dado or Sliding Dovetail
#2I've used sliding dovetails to mount table and cabinet tops as well as the leg stretchers instead of pinning m&t joints. In your application a dado and glue will provide all the strength you need so long as the male portion is not too thin. As a rule, my tenons are not less than 60% of the board thickness.
Re: Dado or Sliding Dovetail
#3
Hi Raj,
To me, the reason to use one or more sliding dovetails in a bookcase is to keep the sides from spreading apart. From your description, it doesn't sound like there's much chance there will be any spreading forces on these cases, so the only mechanical issue will be to hold up the bottom shelfload of books. I'd say skip the dovetails.
Ellis