Return Miter Glue or Nail?

[Stephen Morrison]

I am building a fireplace mantle that is 8" deep. I routed a profile on the mantle and then ripped a 1" piece off, cut 45 miter on each end for the return miters, then glued the ripped profile back on.

My question is should I glue the 8" mitered return pieces that is long grain to the end grain board? I was thinking to glue the miter surface only and just nail the rest of the piece to allow for movement.

Any thoughts?

[Jim Becker]

Consider using a sliding dovetail to hold the piece on...yes glue at the miter and allow the rest to float on the dovetail rail you add to the end of the mantle. (The dovetail rail should be applied with screws and also be allowed to float as the mantle moves front to back seasonally) This technique is commonly used for applied moldings on casework by many makers.