For those interested in half dovetail timberwork, here is a good historical example of a halfdovetail used in heavy timberwork associated with the timberframework in the 1847 Muley Sawmill at UCV.
You will notice the 20" square 30 foot white ash timber being suspended in a shared dovetail mortise cut into sister posts, the dovetail is securely held in position by wedges driven in from the outside.
Just for your information there is an identical timber right below the floor that is also suspended in the same fashion. this mill was constructed by the Beach Brothers who were English millwrights that was sent to this area by the British Government to establish mills in strategic locations to encourage settlement.
