Todays mistake

[Blackberry]

This is the base to a dresser I'm making.  I cut the dovetails and pre-assembled the base.  I then cut the base to the profile I wanted.  Upon reassembly I discovered an error!  Thankfully I hadn't moved the router or the jig.

 

[nclemmons]

Been there, done that!

Oak is still good firewood!

 

[wow]

Can you cut off the tails and just make the base an inch or so shorter?

 

[RobNJ]

Are you cutting dovetails on the other side of either piece? So could you flip one over and then try to match up the dovetails on the other sides not pictured?

 

[mike_aa]

I feel for you.  Looks like something I would do!

 

[Blackberry]

The dovetails are just in the front corners.  However, I did leave the ends long until I had the pins cut just right, then I cut them to length and cut the profile.  The piece was specific to that corner.  No worries, I just thought it was worthy of sharing.  I'll post a picture of the finished project when I get it done. 

 

[Devildawg91]

Call me silly, I haven't ever used dovetails, I read a little.  Is it just the that the dovetails should be on the other piece.  Should the dovetails be coming off the side piece vice the front piece?  Just trying to see what is apparently obvious to other people.

Sincerely,

Newb Woodworker

 

[Sparktrician]

Save it!!!  Tell people it was designed by M. C. Escher!!! 

[big grin]

 

[rst]

Anyone that dovetails that says this never happened to them is either a liar or neurotic as they come.

 

[woodguy7]

Call me silly, I haven't ever used dovetails, I read a little.  Is it just the that the dovetails should be on the other piece.  Should the dovetails be coming off the side piece vice the front piece?  Just trying to see what is apparently obvious to other people.

Sincerely,

Newb Woodworker

The side piece is upside down.

 

[roblg3]

Congratulations on being comfortable enough with your skills to post this!!  ALL of us make mistakes from time to time. You obviously have woodworking skills AND Courage [big grin]

 

[Raleighfirewall]

The side piece is upside down as mentioned by Woodguy.

 

[gsdvorak]

Been there, done that!  I'd like to be able to say it only happened once, but that's not the case...

I live by this motto:  It's not how many mistakes you make, but how clever you are in covering them up. 

The motto seems to work for woodworking anyway- my wife doesn't always buy that!

Regards,
Gerald

 

[Blackberry]

I'm certainly not finished yet.  I still need to finish sand, cut and attach the top, stain & clear coat and attach pulls.  I still need to purchase the pulls. 

 

[nclemmons]

Nice work!

 

[wow]

Nice job! How are you going to finish it?

 

[roblg3]

Just a personal opinion, have you considered adding a little more thickness to the top?  I like the dresser and your work looks very nice.

 

[Blackberry]

I was going for a simple and clean look to the dresser. I'm a little uncertain about the color of the finish, that's left of to the customer....my wife.  The dresser is for our 13 yr. old son.  I believe she was looking at Early American from Minwax.  My dad worked at Minwax as an accountant for many years and that's the majority of what I use in my shop.  I'm not sure about the clear coat yet.  I'd have to outsource if I want it sprayed.  I know she's looking for black drawer pulls.
My intent on the top was to bevel the underside edges (sides and front) approx. 10-15 degrees to "lighten" the top.  I hadn't considered making it thicker.  I guess I could run it by the customer aka wife. 

 

[Sparktrician]

I'm with Rob on the top thickness, especially if you're going to do a 15° undercut.  I'd go with a 5/4 top and do the undercut using an Amana 54117 15° raised panel bit.  The top you have would not necessarily be wasted.  You could cut a 3" wide strip 1/2" thick and glue it under the existing top on the front and sides (end grain strips), then use 1/2" plywood to fill in the void, if you want.  Just a thought. 

 

[mike_aa]

Another thought on the top - You could add a molding detail under the top to give it more presence.  You could consider something that would match what you did at the bottom.  That way it would tie in with the rest of the piece.

Whatever you end up doing, it's a really great looking build!

Thanks, Mike A.