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Had a pro call out my dovetail gaps last month

I was showing off a drawer I built at a barn raising in Lancaster and an old-timer said my tails were too tight at the base. He told me to leave a hair of space at the bottom so glue doesn't squeeze out and ruin the look. Has anyone else gotten a critique that stuck with them like that?
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3 Comments
bettywilson
Leaving slop at the bottom saves your finish every time.
9
amy975
amy9751mo ago
Came across the same thing with my first cutting board actually. I was so proud of how tight my joints were until a guy at the shop pointed out the glue was oozing out everywhere like toothpaste. Made me think about how we always try to cram things together too tight in life, you know? Like relationships or schedules where we don't leave any breathing room. His whole point was that a little gap saves you from a messy cleanup later, and that's probably true for more than just woodworking...
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jana_ellis95
Not sure I buy it, sometimes tight is worth the squeeze.
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