Thanks Thanks:  0
Likes Likes:  0
Needs Pictures Needs Pictures:  0
Picture(s) thanks Picture(s) thanks:  0
Results 1 to 8 of 8

Thread: Dovetail joins

  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2000
    Location
    qld aus
    Posts
    6

    Post Dovetail joins

    I know this might be a bit of a dumb question but is there a way to get these joins to work without having to buy an expensive jig or gismo. I have tried it on some not so good woods and ended up with some not so good results. Any help is kindly appreciated and to all, thanks in advance.

  2. # ADS
    Google Adsense Advertisement
    Join Date
    Always
    Location
    Advertising world
    Posts
    Many





     
  3. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2000
    Location
    Drop Bear Capital of Gippsland (Lang Lang) Vic Australia
    Age
    74
    Posts
    6,518

    Talking

    Yes, there is a way, the Spanish method....Manual .
    You need a tenon or fret saw, a chisel and a template which you can draw yourselve. Alternatevly you can draw a line at an angle across the end grain of one of the boards and cut out the 'tails' then line up the board with the board to be joined and pencil in the lines and then cut these out. A jig is quicker and probably neater although some old hands can cut these out quicker than some using a jig.
    I have seen a jig for sale that is only $120 with blade and will accommodate a 12" board, it cuts both at once. I use one of these for drawers etc and it is not a bad unit.
    Stupidity kills. Absolute stupidity kills absolutely.

  4. #3
    Join Date
    May 2000
    Location
    qld aus
    Posts
    6

    Wink

    Why thank you for that, not really the way i wanted to do it but it might just have to do...

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2000
    Location
    Western Australia
    Age
    77
    Posts
    3,679

    Post

    Hi, there are some very good books and videos out that may give you a good idea on achieving clean dovetails.
    If you have access to a library then may I suggest you check out the woodworking books there.
    I have a video called Dovetails Made Simple....by Jim Kingshott an English Woodworker of some note and revered by his contempories.
    Some of the woodworking supply shops carry these videos and allow you to hire them for a modest amount.
    This particular video was produced by"KnowHow Productions, PO Box 44, Leatherhead,Surrey KT22 7AE England Ph.01372 457358.
    I think it cost about $25.00 some time back.
    I personally use a Leigh jig for making a batch of drawers etc and I think it is second to none for a fast method of producing either through or half blind dovetails,but there is a good argument for doing these by hand and a sense of achievement when you produce snug fitting tails and pins.
    Cheers Ihope this is if some help to you.

    ------------------
    Johnno

    [This message has been edited by John Saxton (edited 01 January 2001).]
    Johnno

    Everyone has a photographic memory, some just don't have film.

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 1999
    Location
    Westleigh, Sydney
    Age
    77
    Posts
    9,550

    Lightbulb

    There are heaps of good books & articles on manually cutting dovetails, but often they give differing advice - cut tails first, cut pins first - etc.

    Most seem to describe a method that works for the author, so I suggest that you pick a method that you understand, then practice lots. The first few may be pretty rough & ready, but suddenly, one day, you will make a box or something where all the joints are tight and look great, and then you will know it was worth doing.

    Good Luck
    Visit my website
    Website
    Facebook

  7. #6
    Join Date
    May 1999
    Location
    Grovedale (Geelong) Victoria
    Age
    74
    Posts
    12,208

    Post

    Here are a couple of videos from my collection that you will find very helpful.

    Two vidios for routered dovetail joints:
    Router Joinery - with Gary Rogowski
    Router Jigs and Tehniques - with Bernie Maas & Michael Fortune

    I believe this is also a good video but haven't seen it. The Router Table Book - with Ernie Conover


    For hand cut dovetail joints:
    Dovetailing a Drawer - with Frank Klausz.
    This is a great video. Bit sickening the ease and accuracy with which he chops these joints out. But a brilliant learning tool.

    These videos are from Taunton Press click on this link for their web site, they have a number of online previews available. These videos should be available through your library. If not, insist that they get them in for you.

    Hope this helps.

    Cheers - Neil
    KEEP A LID ON THE GARBAGE... Report spam, scams, and inappropriate posts, PMs and Blogs.
    Use the Report icon at the bottom of all Posts, PM's and Blog entries.


  8. #7
    Join Date
    May 2000
    Location
    qld aus
    Posts
    6

    Talking

    Thanks guys for all the information and help and I know now that a good read or a session with the video player is definitely on the cards. I hope the missus loves interesting videos ( Like sure that will happen )....

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Jul 1999
    Location
    Glen Iris, Vic, Australia
    Posts
    2,198

    Post

    Dude! Save some money and have a look thru Australian Woodsmith No 11. (AU$5.95) It tells you all about dovetalis and how to build a really cool dovetail jig.

    Else have a look at Australian Woodsmith No. 10. (AU$5.95) It tells you all about finger joints. And how to build a finger joint jig.

    Its my opinion that finger joints are very easy compared to dovetail joints.

    ------------------
    Thanks,
    Barry G. Sumpter
    Proud Tritoneer



    [This message has been edited by barrysumpter (edited 14 January 2001).]
    Thanks,
    Barry G. Sumpter
    May Yesterdays Tears Quench the Thirst for Tomorrows Revenge

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •