In Reply to: Re: some idea's posted by bmar on March 24, 2002 at 09:28:42:
Bill's right on the money, again, about reversing what you call a dado which is actually just a rabbeted joint. Reversing your single version is called a "housing joint" and is very strong. The british are in love with them! Also easy to cut as only one set-up is required on the tablesaw for both cuts.
The dowels would look nice and resist racking of the carcase but do little to strengthen it.
Visit some router accessory sites and look at bits that are designed to create an expanded gluing surface for joining panels. They usually cut a 45 degre miter at the same time they put a rabbet or 2 in the joint. Very strong and accurate.
Look for links on finewoodworking. com.
Oh yes, you could also miter the edges of the panels, which would hide the plywood edges and then cut kerfs along the entire length to insert splines. Accurately cut kerfs would locate the panels for glue-up and make the joint very strong as the splines are all long grain.
1/8" kerf - 1/8" spline.
A variation on that would be using biscuits instead of splines. Good excuse to acquire another tool.
Go to Borders, order a coffee and spend an hour in the woodworking books section.
Two hobbies for the price of three!
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