Buffet Hutch - Part seven - Designing the Hutch

This is a continuation of the posts:

Buffet Hutch - Part one - Drawing up the plans
Part two - Same style different finish
Part three - The buffet face frame
Part four - The buffet sides and web frames
Part five - Drawers

Part six - Doors and wood movement



Now it's time to look at the hutch design. I wanted a more solid look, which will include a face frame around the hutch as well as cove molding on the top.

The original inspiration photo had a hutch like this:

 As you can see, this one has sides that are cut in a curvy pattern without a front face frame and no top other than a backing edge. This is a common country style used for many years.  Mine is a little more substantial and more work. Of course, it is what look you prefer.

So, the hutch will be like a box with three sides and have a face frame and molding applied on to it.  Breaking it down we have two side pieces, a top and two shelves for the first component.  I have decided to use sliding dovetails as the way to attach the shelves to the sides.  This is strong and "hooks" the shelves in like a puzzle piece, as well there are no nail or screw heads showing on the sides.

Here's a sketch of the hutch without the face frame, including a closeup view of the dovetails:

Continuing with more in a few days...
Continue on to:  Part eight - Making the hutch