Dovetails - Hand cut

**Speedie** · 29th August 2012, 12:28 PM

Hi folks

I think I have reached the stage where I should move on from glueing and nailing several pieces of timber together to make a box to something more "honest" such as using hand cut dovetails. This scares me a bit but everyone I talk to says I need to learn how to do them. So, my question is, can anyone give me the name of a really good book that completely goes into making dovetails? I have all the time in the world to learn so happy to read as much as possible and play around with any size timber. Actually, this is also a good excuse to purchase some new tools.

I am not keen on looking at DVDs. I like pictures on pages. I think I just gave my age away.

regards

**joez** · 29th August 2012, 01:46 PM

Hi Speedie,

I have heard this book is pretty good:

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/The-Complete-Dovetail-Furnitures-Signature/dp/0941936678"]Amazon.com: The Complete Dovetail: Handmade Furniture's Signature Joint (9780941936675): Ian Kirby: Books[/ame]

But personally the best resource I have used on cutting dovetails are the DVDs Rob Cosman puts out. Theres something about seeing someone actually cut the Dovetail that you dont get from a book.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-LMPzp3ljY"]Rob Cosman's Hand-Cut Dovetails Trailer - YouTube[/ame]

good luck

Joez

**Pac man** · 29th August 2012, 01:57 PM

The book is good,
The DVDs are good as are the instruction on Derek Cohens site in the woodshop

However attempting them is the best way of working out what does or doesnt work for you.
When i actually do it succesfully i'll get back to you.

**GraemeCook** · 29th August 2012, 03:14 PM

Good Morning Speedie

By far the most enlightening insights into the art and craft of hand cutting dovetails that I have experienced was from watching Chris Vesper demonstrating at a Woodwork Show. He is brilliant, and a great guy.
Vesper Tools Quality Australian Woodworking Tools

If Chris has a DVD then get the grandkids show you how to play or download it........ (just kidding).

As athletes go through warm-up routines, and musicians practice scales, Chris actually advocates hand cutting two or three sets of dovetails before each woodwork session as a "warm up routine". At his skill level it only take 2 or 3 minutes!

Fair Winds

Graeme

**Speedie** · 31st August 2012, 10:33 AM

Hi Joez

Thankyou for the link. Lots of 2nd hand copies so will get on to that.

**Speedie** · 31st August 2012, 10:34 AM

Hello Graeme

Thank you for the link. I am looking for some good tools so will check Vesper out.

**rustynail** · 31st August 2012, 01:31 PM

Speedie, books are ok, but the best way to learn the art is to see it being done and follow each step on a piece of timber yourself. This is much easier, particularly with complicated joints like secret dovetails
For instance, the book may say, "remove the waste" but there are different ways of doing this and a visual demonstration will show how each method is done, allowing you to select the one you are most comfortable with.
The secret to good dovetails is accuracy and comfort. There is a lot of trial and error to determin the latter.

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