Domino Challenge? Christmas tree shadow box idea

[wow]

So I have an idea to make a Christmas tree-shaped shadow box as a gift for relatives. I would make the pieces out of oak, probably about 9-10mm (3/8") thick.

I'm thinking I'd use 4mm Domino's (of course) for the joints, but wondered what I need to do to ensure that I don't blow through the thin pieces. I'd need to either divide them as 4mm buried on one side and 16mm buried on the other, or cut them to about 8mm overall length. I count about 34 Dominos for one of these...and I need to make at least three.

Here's a quick sketch of what I'm thinking. Hopefully you can see the Domino locations, which are in red:

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What do you guys think? I want this to be a quick and fairly easy project, not an all-winter one. Does my idea make sense, or would you do it some other way?

 

[nclemmons]

Nice design!

The angled dominos will be the biggest challenge - going deep enough to register but not too deep to blow out, plus making them align properly.  You can probably make a jig to accomplish that.  But I'd experiment with those angles before you go too far.

Do you have a seneca guide plate to help with the alignment, while also using a ply spacer to decrease the alignment of the domino on the 3/8 wood edge?

Are you thinking about 3-4" deep on the shadowbox?  Just thinking that you will want to plan your cuts carefully, potentially leaving the strips long to cut the first dominos and then crosscutting them.  that will make cutting the short pieces a little safer and more controlled.

As you suggested, I'd do 8mm domino lengths just to keep it simple on both sides and eliminate the chance of blowing through by not resetting the depth stop.

A pinner might be an alternative for the top small pieces given dominos on those will be a real challenge.  You could make an insert for the interior on the first two layers to align and then glue and pin together and remove the insert after it's aligned.

You'll also want think about clamping and order of assembly!  And maybe finding four more hands!

Share photos as you proceed!

neil

 

[dltflt]

I like your idea. You are correct with going deeper on one side.

 

[jmac80]

Hey Wow
How did you get on with this one? 

 

[wow]

Hey Wow
How did you get on with this one? 

Unfortunately, I didn't.

My most recent trip to the hospital put me out of commission pretty much from Thanksgiving until now, at least as far as working in the shop goes. I hope that the new year is better...

 

[sancho57]

You need to get healthy buddy,  take care of yourself....