Dovetails at Other than 90 Degrees
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I find myself envisioning a project for a iPad stand that will form a modified “Z” shape with a flat base and an angled ‘upright’ that will have a 90 degree shelf edge.
I’m struggling with how to layout and cut dovetails for this task.
I hope this might become a subject for Paul to teach us about angles dovetails. My project idea is very similar to making boxes with slanted sides (think window boxes).
Anyone else have an interest in this topic?
I am not sure it is quite what you have in mind when you talk about a z shape, but the window box reference suggests something called a “compound angle dovetail.” They are no harder to cut than any other dovetail, but are very confusing to lay out. There are a number of good videos. You might look at these. The first is by Bob Rozaieski https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=r_k_alH8BO8. The second is by Paul Marcel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=e9h9maJNFAc. A year or so ago I tried a few out of curiosity and they came out fine.
This thread is a bit old, but if you mean dovetails that make a corner that isnt 90°, but are still square to the edge, it’s easier than you’d think. In the videos linked, I would call those square to the face, so the corner being made is still 90°.
To make a corner that isn’t 90°, just cut the ends as if you were making a butt joint at whatever angle you’re doing (both sides), then layout the dovetails as usual.
It won’t work if you leave either end square cut, even if you angle the shoulder, at least it didn’t for me.
I just did a table that had a shallow outside wrap around apron type thing with 6x 120° corners. The dovetails were easy enough (the assembly was not).
I need to make some small display stands – I may steal your idea (at least what I think you mean).
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