Hello,
Until now, I've been a hobbyist woodworker that uses hand tools almost exclusively(my drill press and cordless drill are pretty much the only power tools I use.) This choice has as much to do with an appreciation of the slower, more meditative woodworking practice that my hand tools allow, as it does with the location of my "shop" -- the living room of my 1 bedroom apartment in Brooklyn. The dust and noise that come with powered tools is just not something my neighbors or wife would tolerate.
I'm embarking a project, however, that might not be possible with hand tools. Specifically, a mid-century modern type dresser. It will look very much like the one in the photo below, and will be done in 5/4 walnut. Anyways, I'd really like to construct the case with mitered joints. This is something that would be incredibly difficult with hand tools. Getting a 23" mitered joint so perfect, that no gaps would show, I'm beginning to realize, is light years beyond my skill level. I also worry about the the strength of the joint. I'd need to reinforce it with some kind of hardware or glue block.
What I've decided might be the best approach would be to purchase a Festool TS75. Have any of you done large scale mitered joints with such a tool? Or does anyone have advice as to what method or tool might be better?
Regarding the strength of the joint... While I'd be happy to use a glue block as reinforcement, I really love to have a cleaner overall structure. To this end, I was thinking the Domino joiner might be useful. I've never used a tool like this, so have no ideas what to expect. Is it difficult to use and get right? More importantly, would dominoes add enough strength and rigidity to a case this size without the need for additional structural support?
I know this is a lot of questions. Thanks for reading through all of them, and for your help.
Best,
David
PS I know spending this kind of money for such a small project might sound ridiculous and wasteful. But considering that this style of furniture is what I like most, and that if successful, I'd likely build a second smaller dresser and a couple of bedside tables and who knows what else with the same joint, I think in the long run I'd get a lifetime of use out of it. That and that I'm expecting a bit of a refund from my tax return that will soon be burning a whole in my pocket.
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