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Cutting Dovetail Joints by Hand

Woodworking Workshop
Cutting Dovetail Joints by Hand

Dovetail joints are an ancient way of mating two pieces of wood at a corner. Often used in cabinet-making, the dovetail joint is both extremely strong, and aesthetically pleasing.

dovetail

I must admit, I can make a dovetail joint, but itโ€™s so loose as to not be usable. Itโ€™s on my bucket list of skills to learn. This video by John Bullar explains simply how to cut them. Youโ€™ll note that he freehands the angles used (probably because heโ€™s done thousands of them), but you can also get dovetail markers to help with your first time.

Make sure you get yourself a good marking gauge and a fine saw, and you should be able to do it after a couple of hundred tries.

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In addition to being an online editor for MAKE Magazine, Michael Colombo works in fabrication, electronics, sound design, music production and performance (Yes. All that.) In the past he has also been a childrens' educator and entertainer, and holds a Masters degree from NYU's Interactive Telecommunications Program.

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