Sizing Sliding Dovetails

[Gary Curtis]

Does that one-third rule used for tenons apply to sliding dovetails also. You know, the tenon on a rail should be about 1/3 the size of the style.

I want to use 2x6 Doug Fir timers for the rails on my shop workbenches and dovetail them into 4x4 legs. Is a 1-inch DT bit (14 degrees) ok? There would be 3 horizontals cut into the center legs, and two on each of the side legs.

Gary Curtis

[Dennis McDonaugh]

Gary, I have only made a few and made the shoulders of the male part of the dovetail 1/8" so I had maximum strength. Also, I have never used one at the end of a panel, but only in the middle. I think it would make a difference at the end such as two pieces making a corner.