The Molly Project: Iterations

The Molly Project is an attempt to build a tap dance floor that can be used as a percussive device during the performance of live music by building the floor upon a hollow yet enclosed box.

Molly is a singer and dancer in addition to being both friend and in this case client. One of her requirements is that the floor must be as light as possible yet built to minimum dimensions with certain materials that will enhance its resonant qualities.

My first design iteration had the box constructed of four side aprons joined to corner posts using mortise and tenon joinery. I was doing projects with that construction technique lately so it was natural to begin the design there. But that is not how a box is typically built.

The first true box iteration I explored was based on box joint construction. I built a couple of drawers and a few audio speaker system boxes using that method. I sometimes think of it as a signature style. But I think I am going to settle on another method that has worked well for me in the past. That method is the half blind dovetail.

I have some small speaker boxes I have to complete when time prevails that are built with through dovetails. Through dovetails present a good looking trapezoid profile on one side, yet a not as good looking rectangular profile on the opposing side. Through dovetails are still considered the pinnacle of fine woodworking.

Half blind dovetails present that same good looking and instantly recognizable trapezoid profile on one side. The opposing side is clean across its surface. It is a good look I think in addition to having just about as much prestige as its closely related through dovetail relative.

All of the three traditional box joinery techniques mentioned in this entry qualify for the appropriate strength requirement by presenting enough face grain surface area for gluing. I think I will use the half blind dovetail method on this project. It uniquely represents the principles of fine woodworking inherent in my work.