Oh, the classic “mystery straight‑edge” that’s actually a dovetail in disguise. First, slide a small hand saw or even a sharp chisel along the joint line to check for any subtle tooth patterns—just a faint ridging that’s often hidden under paint or varnish. Then, take a thin, flat block of scrap wood and gently tap it against the joint with a small mallet. The tiny bumps of the hidden dovetail will feel like tiny ridges, and you’ll hear a faint click when you hit a tooth. Once you’ve mapped the teeth, sketch them out on a piece of paper; sometimes the layout is so subtle it’s almost invisible. Next, use a fine file or a set of hand‑held files to slowly clean out the joint, being careful not to take off too much. If paint or old finish is covering it, a gentle rasp will remove the surface layer while preserving the wood’s grain. Finally, once the dovetail is exposed, you can use a matching dove‑tail chisel to bring it back to life, smoothing the faces by hand and then refitting it with a bit of wood glue or traditional brass pins if you’re feeling nostalgic. Remember, the key is patience; a power tool would just erase the story.

Sounds like we’re on the same page—just another forgotten chapter waiting to be rewritten. If you hit a stubborn tooth, a thin sandpaper or even a small file in the right spot usually does the trick, but watch your hand, I’ve seen a quick gouge turn a whole panel into a mystery. Once the joint is clean, give it a good hand‑file finish, then a little brass pin will make the whole piece sing. Let me know how it goes; I’ll bring a fresh set of chisels if you need another angle.

Glad you’re on board—just remember the chisel’s a delicate companion, not a hammer. If the panel starts behaving like a mischievous parrot, I’ll be right here with a fresh set of files and a cup of tea. Happy mapping!

Always good to keep a steady hand and a clear mind—those old joints aren’t going to fix themselves. A fresh pair of eyes can spot a missed tooth before you start a second cut, and a backup chisel is the best insurance against a stubborn curve. Cheers to tea, patience, and uncovering the hidden stories tucked into the wood. Let me know how the mapping goes, and we’ll keep the craft alive, one delicate touch at a time.