Dominos instead of Dovetails ???

[GURRIE]

Hi,
I am a new member to this group and need some help.  I am building a Penn. Secretary and have looked at using dominos instead of traditional dovetails for the joinery of the bottom base to the sideboards. I know this makes me a non-purist but I want to speed up the process while maintaining strength etc.  I was planning on a row of dominos vertically through the botton into the end grain of the side boards. then after the sides are glues to the bottom base with these dominos, cut another row of dominos (which stagger the vertical ones) thru the side boards into the end grain of the bottom base.
any ideas of this theme would be welcome?
thanks.
ed
oops picked the wrong choices.  sorry. newby error.

 

[mwhafner]

There are actually a few similar discussions about similar topics.  You may want to try searching for "Domino", but you will get a ton of results to sift through.

Here is one thread discussing using through dominos for drawer construction - http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=945.0.  I have used this on a couple of modern pieces and it creates a neat look.

Also, you can try Rick Christopherson's Domino Manual. 

Neither of these exactly answers your question.  I am a little more traditional in some of my joinery, but it really depends on the piece.  You may also want to check out The Dovetail Joint.  Jerry Work is a frequent contribute here, and uses sliding dovetails extensively in his work.  He has some great ideas to simplify and speed up the process.

 

[woodshopdemos]

It all comes down to how much you want to be authentic in your period piece. If you are not trying for the old look, Dominos can be plenty strong and very quick. If the joint is for show, dovetails are required if that is what the original was using.
  Now if you want to be somewhat in-bewtween, try this. Use Dominos for the joinery and strength. and after glue sets, use a Kehoe jig to cut dovetail splines. Very quick and  from the sides, it will give you the DT look.

the page link: http://www.woodshopdemos.com/rjig-5.htm

 

[GURRIE]

thanks for the inputs. i appreciate it.
ed