Fundamentals of Hand Cut Dovetails

You will learn how to cut a dovetail joint with hand tools. Following is a list of things to bring to the class.

One dry, straight grained, knot free board, approximately 1/2” x 4” x 24”. ( Or two 1/2” x 4” x 12”). Make sure it’s suitable for working with hand tools; Alder, Walnut, Poplar, Western Maple or Mahogany are good choices. If eyesight is an issue, lighter colored woods will make it easier to see your marks. Remember, this is practice. Make it easy on yourself, do not bring figured or difficult woods.

No. 2 pencil.
6” (or longer) Steel rule
Small combination square
Marking knife.
Light weight wooden mallet.
Straight bladed carving knife (utility knife will work)
Dovetail saw, rip cut, about 14 tpi.
1/4”, 3/8” and 1/2” bevel edge chisels. These need to be razor sharp!
Marking gauge.
Dovetail gauge or small sliding “T” bevel.

This is not a sharpening class, please arrive with your tools SHARP !!!

There will be coffee and cookies. We will start at 9:00 a.m., class may last past noon, you may wish to bring a sack lunch. Questions? Call me, 360-757-7730 (Val Matthews)