BT3Central comes through again. 
Thanks for all the information and advice.
Here's what I will do.
Top Rail: I will use a rail - stile type of joint at the top. Its relatively easy to machine simple 1/4 inch grooves and corresponding 'tenons' and the joint is quite strong.
Bottom Rail: I plan to use dowels, probably five on each side. As noted above, I have had good luck with them so I don't anticipate any problems.
Hanging: Thanks, Lonnie. Although the published plans have the hangers on the rails, I had already figured out that they needed to be on the stiles. Lonnie's suggestion is an excellent one and should resolve any questions about joint failure.
Added comment: In a past life I come from an environment were differences of opinion are valued and respected even when those varying opinions are strongly held. One of the real values, maybe even its most useful value, of this forum, IMO, is that I can count on getting more than one suggestion for the problems I ask about. And just because I decide to use dowels doesn't mean that any of the other suggests are not valid and useful under appropriate circumstances. So, C'man and Larry, keep providing your great suggestions and don't worry about them being different. I am sure others find it as helpful as I do, after all, as the saying goes, "There is more than one way to skin a cat."
And, yes, I really should try to get better at making mortise and tenon joints. Thanks, drumpriest, for the reminder about the tutorial. It makes it look a lot easier than I have found it to be.
Regards, Steve
Thanks for all the information and advice.Here's what I will do.
Top Rail: I will use a rail - stile type of joint at the top. Its relatively easy to machine simple 1/4 inch grooves and corresponding 'tenons' and the joint is quite strong.
Bottom Rail: I plan to use dowels, probably five on each side. As noted above, I have had good luck with them so I don't anticipate any problems.
Hanging: Thanks, Lonnie. Although the published plans have the hangers on the rails, I had already figured out that they needed to be on the stiles. Lonnie's suggestion is an excellent one and should resolve any questions about joint failure.
Added comment: In a past life I come from an environment were differences of opinion are valued and respected even when those varying opinions are strongly held. One of the real values, maybe even its most useful value, of this forum, IMO, is that I can count on getting more than one suggestion for the problems I ask about. And just because I decide to use dowels doesn't mean that any of the other suggests are not valid and useful under appropriate circumstances. So, C'man and Larry, keep providing your great suggestions and don't worry about them being different. I am sure others find it as helpful as I do, after all, as the saying goes, "There is more than one way to skin a cat."
And, yes, I really should try to get better at making mortise and tenon joints. Thanks, drumpriest, for the reminder about the tutorial. It makes it look a lot easier than I have found it to be.
Regards, Steve
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