TIL a guy at the shop said my dovetails were too tight

I was proud of my snug joints but he pointed out they'd split in summer humidity. Now I leave a hair of space for wood movement in my boxes - has anyone else had to adjust their tolerance for your local climate?

2 comments

2 Comments

felix_thomas731d ago

Fine, humidity splits are real but people act like one crack means your whole life's work is ruined. A tiny gap looks sloppy and I'd rather take my chances with snug joinery than make boxes that rattle. Worst case you fix a split, best case your work actually looks tight and clean.

piper_green1d ago

Three years ago I would have said tighter is better no question. My first few boxes made it through a dry winter fine so I assumed the guy was just being picky. Then a customer brought one back with a split right down the dovetail after a humid summer and I learned my lesson real fast.