Here are a few things you should know about dovetails.
The dovetail joint is one of the most fascinating and revered of all the joineries. The sliding DT is often found in musical instruments, table frames, shelves, drawers, and cabinets. With this versatile joint, you can attach pieces of wood at a right angle or in a perpendicular fashion rather than end-to-end. The sliding dovetail joint is very different from the rest because there is only one large interlocking section. This joint is almost identical to the secret mitred but it includes a thin portion of grain on one end of the joint. Of all woodworking joints (and all dovetails), the secret mitred is in the highest class because it offers supreme strength with a completely flesh and smooth surface. You’ll often “find” secret mitred joints in picture frames and other carpentry where an invisible joint is preferred. This joint is a little more difficult to carry out than through dovetailing. In this joint, the interlocking fingers are not visible from the front. The half-blind DT eliminates the need for adding a false-front to drawers. In this woodworking joint, the interlocking fingers are completely visible although occasionally covered with a veneer.Īdding a concealing finish is less common these days because craft workers want to show off their skill and consumers love the beautiful feature.ĭetailed, high-quality, and handcrafted woodwork is rare today, so it makes sense why the through dovetail has grown in popularity. This is the most common type which you will see throughout many pieces of cabinetry, boxes, and several other items. Not feeling so confident? Try your hand at a few box joints first to get the hang of interlocking joints before you advance to the DT. Even staying within the realm of dovetailing, you have many options to choose from so you’re sure to select the best woodworking joint for your project. Still have your heart set on mastering this ancient joint? Selecting the Best Woodworking Joint for the Job
Not only is dovetailing easy on the eyes, but its design makes it naturally resistant to wear and tear – even without glue. Like any joinery, the dovetail joint comes with its own advantages and disadvantages – it’s not ideal for every project. Here’s everything you need to know about dovetails before you find yourself in a project over your head.
And you’ll have every right to be proud of your craftsmanship because of all the woodworking joints, dovetailing is one of the hardest to complete with precision.īut if you can do it right, this joint is sure to last just about anything you throw at it. The dovetail joint (DT) is one of the most beautiful joineries in woodworking – if you want it to be.īecause you can select either blind, half-blind, or visible options.Īfter finishing your first dovetail, you’ll probably want to show it off.