SBH wrote:
"SBH" wrote in message
news:Nb2dnQ_Q8JH2MozVnZ2dnUVZ_smnnZ2d@wideopenwest .com...
I am building a plyometric jumping box using 3/4 plywood with about
a 7 degree taper (to avoid tip over) with a platform size of 20 x
24. There will be 5 total boards; front, rear, right, left and a
center for extra strength. I am thinking about dadoing the corners
and the center on the front and rear boards for the sides to slide
into to gain extra strength and stability as opposed to just
butting
the ends together with glue and nails.

Is dadoing a better option? I know it's probably not the strongest
connection compared to a dovetail or something else, but I don't
have a dovetail template. Therefore, will the dado be sufficient or
is something else better?

Thank you

Perhaps "rabbeting" is also prefered over "dadoing".

Certainly a rabbet will help, but you might want to consider using
some blocking in the corners--this is what you're going
for--http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/wppages/cornerblock.php

According to my CAD program, for your 7 degree corners you need an
angle on the "square" side of 89.14 degrees. If you leave it at 90,
over a 3/4 inch section that should put you out about .01 inch, so
it's worthwhile to cut the angle--if you can hit 89.14 that's good but
just going for 89 should put you close enough for an adequate glue
bond (you want the bond line to be between .003 and .006 inch with
most adhesives).

--
--
--John
to email, dial "usenet" and validate
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)