Pins and tails don’t align for box lid but OK on sides

[BretC]

Box sides

Box sides

Group:

I am attempting to make four sided boxes with dove tail joints on all four sides and also the top and bottom.

In my first attempt the sides fit well as well as two sides to the top and bottom, however two of the sides did not align with the top or bottom. Please see the photo’s.

What I believe went wrong is that the material thickness was deducted from two of the sides. Assuming this was the cause of the problem, what is the correct sequence when creating dove tail joints on a six sided box?

Thank you.

BretC

[jimandi5000]

Looks like you need a bigger hammer...

[BretC]

Thanks Jim

Maybe I now know why I have not seen many six-sided boxes using the dovetail gadget. Most I have seen are only four-sided. I am sure the problem is something to do with the thickness of the material when the pins and tails are calculated.

[jimandi5000]

Hi Bret,

From my view point, the Dovetail is a joint that is best when the tail is in a pull state, like in the front of a drawer. Looking at the bottom, the dove tail it strength is pulling the sides and less on the keeping the bottom on. (I know the bottom will not fall off)

Do you need help? Is this a gadget? If so, can I help with the code?

[BretC]

Jim:

Thanks for the help. Yes, I agree with your observation about the bottom not being in a "pull state." Consequently, the dovetail may have marginal structural value, but I wanted to do it because it is "cool" and it would add to the mystique of the Christmas gifts that I am making. Yes I am using the Dovetail gadget.

Thanks

Bret

[adze_cnc]

Looks like you need a bigger hammer...

As in "if it doesn't fit, you haven't hit it hard enough"?

Steven

[BretC]

I started a new six-sided box in Vcarve and believe I corrected the problem as well as found the source. Although I have not cut it out yet as I am waiting on new bits, the computer model in VCarve Pro looks promising.

Here is what I learned when designing a six-sided box. The creation of the dovetail joints on a six-sided box must be done in the following sequence.

#1 Create the dovetails on the tops and bottoms of the sides FIRST
#2 Create the pins in the top and the bottom SECOND
#3 Only after the top and sides THEN create the dovetails in the sides
#4 Finally, create the pins in the sides

After I successfully cut the next six-sided box using the dovetail gadget, I will then post an update with photos.

The above sequence is missing from most online videos and tutorials.

BretC
Neodesh, KS