Customer told me my dovetails were 'too tight' and I was shocked

I had a guy last month refuse a set of custom drawers because the dovetails fit so tight he said they'd crack in summer humidity. I've always aimed for zero gap joints but now I leave maybe a 1/64 inch extra for seasonal movement. How much expansion do you guys build into your joinery?

3 comments

3 Comments

amy_west1mo agoMost Upvoted

Yeah I used to be the same way, thought tight as possible was the only right way. A buddy of mine who's been doing this way longer than me tried to tell me about leaving a hair of space and I basically ignored him. Then I had a job where I did some pretty complex inlay work that was absolutely perfect in the winter shop, and by summer it was pushing itself apart at the seams. That was the moment it clicked for me. Now I leave about the thickness of a business card in my dovetails and a bit more on wider panels. It feels wrong when you're putting them together honestly but your joints will thank you when the seasons change.

viola_lopez301mo agoTop Commenter

@amy_west means well but seasons change both ways, too loose is worse than too tight in winter.

jamie_webb671mo ago

1/64th is about right for me on most joints. I learned that the hard way after a walnut tabletop buckled on me one summer. Now I always account for the wood breathing or it'll remind you.