Through Dovetails for Drawers

[derekcohen]

While completing the last drawer for the chest, it occurred to me to take a few photos.

I have described the process I take with through dovetails for drawers in pictures, in some detail (in lieu of a video). The pictorial is here ...

http://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furniture/ThroughDovetails2.html

http://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furniture/ThroughDovetails2_html_529ed63d.jpg

Regards from Perth

Derek

[wheelinround]

Derek always enjoy how you make it look so easy this is no exception I try to make dovetails usually end up with ducktails :doh: Like the tape idea for failing eyesight :2tsup::2tsup::2tsup:

[Theodor]

Nice work Derek. Two questions:

1. On what basis did you choose your angles (1:7) for the dovetails? Type of woods? Aesthetics?

2. What is the fretsaw you're using? It looks like it was made for use on the space shuttle compared to my old high school style coping saw.

[derekcohen]

Hi Theodor

The 1:7 ratio is an aethetic. Many prefer 1:8 for slim tails, but it seems too parallel to me. It also depends on the width of the pin board (in this case, the pin board is more than double the tail board). The shallower the pin board, the wider I make the tails : 1:6 or 1:5. I should also point out that I used the 1:7 for the drawer face, and then just continued it at the rear. The drawer face is 22mm thick, and the rear board is 16mm thick. The drawer sides are 6mm thick.

The fretsaw is a KnewConcepts. I have a review here:

http://www.inthewoodshop.com/ToolReviews/KnewConceptsFretsaw.html

There is a newer version, which is reviewed here:

http://www.inthewoodshop.com/ToolReviews/KnewConceptsBirdcageFretsaw.html

The major benefit of this saw is that it is light, stiff, easier to set up, and after that, just fun to use. I think it is better than the old jeweller saws in that the blades can turn and thereby saw long distances, and it turns in a tighter radius than a coping saw. Experienced hands will reduce these advantages.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[derekcohen]

A little revision to the write up. Some photos added and some techniques are clarified ...

http://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furniture/ThroughDovetails3.html

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Yanis]

Sweet Derek. Some really nice tips here, love it. I watched Paul Sellers dovetail video on the weekend different hand tool technique and similar result.

Thanks for the post.

John

PS Came across your site last week quite by accident and I recognised the name when I saw it. Some great info.