Cut long sliding dovetail jobs down to size

Sliding dovetails, like those you might cut into the ends of a shelf 12" wide or wider, can produce so much friction during glue-up and assembly that they catch in the dovetail slot. For problem-free assembly, reduce this friction by cutting notches in long dovetails, as shown, using a bandsaw or coping saw. The notches also capture excess glue to reduce squeeze-out. Leave ¹⁄₃₂ " of the dovetail to avoid the chance of cutting into the surface.