Thanks Jim.

Nope...I don't have that book on the shelf.

Benson and Chappell stipulate cutting mortises deeper to account for shrinkage. This along with shimming dovetails will help to maintain the tightness in the joinery as the wood dries.(sounds reasonable to me.)

I would be inclined to agree with you concerning "Seasoned" wood. (dry to the core)
My purpose for asking the original question was to get feedback from everyone about how long I must "season" the wood before laying out and cutting the joinery. wink

Thanks again.
Dan

"The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift."

- Albert Einstein.