Thread: Dove Tails

Originally Posted by laxation

Basically what I need to know, is if the extra time it takes to do dove-tail joins is worth the extra marks that they would recieve.

Yes.

Definitely go for the dovetails. Structurally, they are the go for drawers, and they look pretty spiffy too.

The dovetails are a big yes. Hand made drawers just look too tacky and wouldn't it be great in 30 years time to show someone what you made.
Good luck with it.

Thanks for the input.

Any idea how long it would take to do two drawers, about 10-15cm high each?
It would be my first time doing it, so I assume it would take even longer.

Originally Posted by laxation

Thanks for the input.

Any idea how long it would take to do two drawers, about 10-15cm high each?
It would be my first time doing it, so I assume it would take even longer.

Mate: how long is a piece of string? How long would be somewhat determined by your experience with a hand saw and the use of chisels, etc.

I was given some lessons in hand cutting dovvies some while ago by a forum member, and have cut quite a few since.

My limited experience, however, makes me work relatively slowly, so two drawers with, say, four d/t's per corner would probably take me two to three hours, plus a bit of clean-up time with a plane.

It must be said, though, that this is pure pleasure time, as I love w/working, and like the feel and sound of a nice sharp chisel slicing through wood.