Mark:
When considering the shrinkage remember that the angle of the dovetail in the plate and tie changes with shrinking and that any wedge would have trouble dealing with this geometry. 1/4 inch shrinkage would allow how much withdrawl and what possible failure modes, can the teasel deal with this extra loading? If there is a bent brace loading this post in a leeward condition what will happen to the system?
The dovetail has served reasonably well when it has been cut in dry materials and the joint is not dealing with much tension. Many modern joiners forget both of these things when they select this joint.
Joinery all needs to be designed with moisture content and differential shrinkage in mind.
Best,
Curtis
