PROCESS

TOOL LIST

You’ll require the following tools to create classic through-dovetail joints by hand:

» Accurate try square
» Western dovetail saw or Japanese dozuki saw
» Marking knife
» Sharp bench chisels
» Coping saw or fret saw
» 3M blue painter’s tape
» 0.5 mm mechanical pencil
» Marking gauge
» Block plane
» Pair of dividers
» Sliding-bevel gauge or dovetail guide

MACHINE-CUT DOVETAILS

HAND-CUT DOVETAILS

DOVETAIL GUIDES

There is a wide variety of dovetail-angle guides available, from magnetic ones that keep your saw against the guide, to guides created specifically to use with a marking knife and pencil. As you become more proficient in cutting these wonderful joints, you’ll gradually dispense with the guides and revel in the pleasure of quickly cutting these handsome joints freehand.

DOVETAIL ANGLES

Some say hardwoods require a steeper