Classic Galaga/Ms Pacman Cabinet Construction

[wordsworth]

I'm in the middle of building a reproduction Galaga cabinet and I'm hoping someone might have some answers for me. I don't have access to one of these cabinets to get any info.

First I'm using all MDF and I think about half of the pictures I've seen are using regular plywood and the other MDF.

I started off just using furring strips and glue but after looking at hundreds of pictures I see that at least some of the joints are made with a rabbet and dado joint. I have actually planned to take my cab apart and redo some of the joint but here are my questions:

1. What benefit is a rabbet and dado joint over a regular dado?

2. Which parts of a Galaga/Ms Pacman cab use rabbet and dado joints? I've seen pics to confirm that the top panel uses these and I've read (no pics) that the bottom used them. The 2 narrow braces at the base of the monitor and bezel use them as well but I can't tell if the front panel, the lower marquee panel, or the rear monitor panel use dados or are just glued with blocks. Any ideas?

[wordsworth]

Okay, I've found a picture of the inside of a Pacman cab that is evidence enough to me that all the joints are using the weird rabbet and dado method.



It appears to be a 3/8 inch rabbet is cut into the ends of the cross panels which is then inserted into the dado (like a tenon) in the main side panels. It also appears that on some panels the "tenon" is on the non-showing side and on some it's on the showing side. Not really sure why.

Although the Galaxian/Pacman cabs are a little different from a Galaga/Ms Pacman ones I think I can safely assume the same technique is being used. I suppose that this joint is stronger than a typical dado because I can't imagine it's easier or cheaper so why else would it be used?

I guess I've pretty much answered my own questions but if anybody has info about this joint and whether it's worth the trouble over a regular dado it would be much appreciated. Thanks!

[michelevit]

This type of joinery was probably not done for increased strength, but for quick and accurate assembly.
The cabinet sides were probably cut using a template with the outer cuts and dados already laid out.
This was before the days of CNC. Once the sides where cut, it would then move to an assembly area where it was glued, racked and screwed by different workers.

No need for measurements and complex jigs once the left and right vertical pieces are created.

Think IKEA cabinet, not fine woodworking.

If I were to build say 100 or more identical cabinets, this is the technique I would implement.

[wordsworth]

That makes very much sense indeed. Measure the dados once and then cut them without thinking. Quick and repeatable.

Any thoughts about why this hybrid "rabbet and dado" was used instead of the plain dado?