Half-blind versus through dovetails

[thomastchoper]

Good afternoon,

I plan to construct a bookcase using heart pine. Two questions.

1) I would like to use a dovetail joinery to connect the case sides to the top. The sides measure 80" tall by 10" wide by 7/8" thick; the top measures 30" long by 10" wide by 7/8" thick. This will be my first project with dovetail joinery. Should I use a half-blind or a through dovetail?

2) Given that the wood is reclaimed heart pine, should I use an hw or hs bit?

Many thanks,
Tom

 

[mastercabman]

Tom,  I have build many bookcases but never did a dovetail joint at the top of a unit.I guess it's because i usually trim the top with some kind of crown molding.
Most of the time i do a dado type of joinery at the top.
But if i was doing a dovetail,i would most likely do a half blind.

 

[bonesbr549]

How do you intend to cut them by hand or with a jig.  Either will be strong. Are you going for display?  In other words do you want the DT for looks as well as strenght.  If it were me and strenght I'd go with through just to have a little more surface area and it would look nice.  If you want the look aspect Id be tempted to go with HB because when you finish and I'll assume it will be a clear finish, the side would be the tails and I'd let the finish really soak in on the end grain to get come contrast on the pins.  I use the Leigh Jig and love it.  The pine will finish nicely