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Next came the joinery for the middle board's end-grain edges.
I have read various books and magazines that make reference
to three different types of Western-style edge joints: mortise
and tenon, tongue and groove, and lap. However, the common
Japanese treatment of the edge joint is slightly different
from its Western counterpart—it combines the mortise
and tenon with the tongue and groove and adds a miter at the
front corner. [See drawing detail #1. Click on drawing
to enlarge.] Many woodworkers dislike using this joint
because the board and edge piece move in different directions
and because they are concerned about the miter line opening
with seasonal wood movement. However, you can control that
shrinkage to some degree, and I have not had a problem with
it.
Three
through mortise-and-tenon joints with wedges attach the upper
side boards to the middle board. I also made a 1/16" deep
x 11/16" wide stopped groove within three mortises to
keep the side board from cupping, as well as for cosmetic purposes.
Also, for its look, I wanted the miter line of the middle
board to meet the outside corner of the side board's edge;
hence, it is not 45°. [See drawing detail #2.]
The
side boards and the middle board have a 1/4" groove at
their back for the tongue of the 3/8" thick back panels.
The side boards also have two vertical rows of 1/4" holes
for shelf pins on their inside faces. All the front edges
of the cabinet frame were tightly rounded. [See drawing
detail #2.]
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Detail
#1: Middle Board / Edge
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Detail
#2: Middle Board / Side
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