I need some advice on my desk on frame construction with hand tools. The writing desk surface is joined to the upper sides of the desk. I have a plan that uses a dado joint to connect the horizontal writing surface to the vertical sides. ( Just like a shelf on a bookcase ). The other plan has a half dovetail dado joint which looks nicer and is mechanically stronger. My concern is that the writing surface is 17 inches deep, and I do not recall sawing out a half dovetail joint this long. I have done tapered sliding dovetails perhaps 9 or 10 inches, but 17 inches seems daunting. I have crosscut backsaws of 20 inches and even 25 from miter box. Do I use this to saw the dovetail profile on the ends of the board? How do I get the matching housing in something this long? Ideas? ( Boy, the idea of a dado just seems easier ).highlighted half dovetail dado.jpgdesk plans.jpgdesk on frame.jpg