HI evryone on this thread
I do have a good slide of a half dovetail connection used in an early (1865) bridge truss. It was part of the ceiling structure of a 45 foot span framework. It shows clearly the wedge protruding on the upper surface having been driven from underneath, and only one being used.
I also contemplated if the wedge bore against a taper cut into the side of the mortise that was in line with the slope of the wedge, in my books that would have to be the case. The wedge protruded about 3 " above the surface of the 14" timber, and the shoulder of the post had raised slightly out of its original position about 1\2" due probably to its age and the steady pressure applying to the connection.
NH
