As i understand it they would make a dado (rectangular groove) across
the width of the panel then follow with a special plane to get the
right angle for the dovetail -  at the recent williamsburg conf ted
ingrham had a plane that would cut on either side for this type of
work.... although i think you can saw it at an angle too if you have
good saw control and are brave, i think that they would use a saw
similar to stair saw for that (has depth stop)... they are generally
tapered so they are driven home tight when fully assembled.  you also
have to get the special plane for the other (male) half.... I believe
ECE still makes one of them.  havent ever done one myself, just some
recollections from books....

Hunter
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