Thread: Dovetail joints - angle of pitch

Hi Ian,

I found a mistake in that last video.

I'd argue that there's a difference between show and carcase dovetails. Trade training is outlined in the movie below.

See if you can spot the differences in beauty/aesthetics between the two.

I'd go with WW's 1:7 comment, but strength dovetails are slightly wider and closer packed than show dovetails. Therein lies the difference.

Cheers,

eddie

Derek: Saw your comments as I was posting. I did this for someone on another forum who was asking similar questions. Pictures tell a thousand words.

Hi guys

it is always good to check out the antique shops for the detail of dovetails, and all that kind of thing, as the old guys have been doing it right for centuries we should try to emulate the best that is out there. Just a perspective I think.

Thanks to everyone who replied.

I've learned a lot.

Kind thoughts,

KevinB

I say that if if the angle looks good on paper it will look good in the joint.
I also agree that modern glues make an already strong joint even stronger.
Once I found an angle that looked pretty, I made some tools to keep it.
The ebony piece has the same angles in the ends as the bevel guage to chase the scribe down the side of the work at a 90. The maple bevel guage takes a pencil line well visible. Flip it over and you've got the spacing correct for the other edge of the board and the other ends.
The little knife cleans up after the saw.
The wood is satin wood.

Thanks Rightend.