Small box joinery problem

[merrill77]

I'm working on the prototype for a small box and I'm having trouble picking the joinery. In the picture below, you can see the front and one side as it should appear when assembled. The front is 1/4" thick and the side is 3/8". Because the front is offset from the end of the side, fingers and dovetails are out. A mortise/tenon is possible, but I don't want a thru tenon to be exposed on the side...which leaves a tenon only ~1/4" deep is possible. If it fit well enough, that should be acceptable for this application, though I'm not confident in my ability to make such a small tenon fit perfectly. I'm also considering a sliding dovetail, cut up from the bottom. I would need to fill the dovetail channel at the bottom, since the front would leave this revealed.

I've considered a doweled butt joint, using brass dowels exposed on the sides, but I'm not fond of that option, either from an asthetic or construction standpoint.

Any other options I should be considering?

[DavidF]

I would go for a stopped dado up from the bottom. If you are worried about the fit then make the dado slightly narrower than the piece going into it and put a small shoulder on the front side to hide the edges of the dado.

[boxxmaker]

OK heres how I make mine (boxxmaker) 1st I cut all the pieces,then cut dado's in the front and rear panel the thickness of the sides.I then just cut a 1/8th groove about 1/8th " deep around the bottom of all for pieces.I then just glue the two side panels to the back of the front,then slide the bottom in,then attatch the back and all I use is glue.I just use tape to hold it in place untill the glue dries,just be sure and check it for square before you set it aside for drying.You don't need anything else.I'v been assembling them like this for about 15 yrs an never had a failure.I love the dovetails but the only purpose they serve in small boxes is decorative.(which I do like).