An Introduction to Handcut Dovetails

Name: An Introduction to Handcut Dovetails
Start: 2025-12-01T16:00:00-06:00
End: 2025-12-01T21:00:00-06:00
Location: Duluth Folk School

Schedule

Mon Dec 01 2025 at 04:00 pm to 09:00 pm

UTC-06:00

Location

Duluth Folk School | Duluth, MN

During this class you will learn the basics of cutting dovetail joints by hand.
The project used to teach dovetail joints will be a small 3×5 recipe card or keepsake box. The sides will be dovetailed together, the bottom inserted in a groove and the flat top will be screwed on with hinges. Some decorative elements will be done with time permitting.
We will discuss how the project generalizes to larger projects like casework and drawers.
No work with power tools will be required by the students. As a prerequisite, students should already be comfortable sawing and chopping by hand.
We will cover:
- when to use a dovetail joint
- types of dovetail joints
- how to organize/label your pieces
- how to layout a dovetail joint
- how to begin cutting your joint
We will discuss methods of removing the waste between tails (cutting or chopping) and show an easier hybrid method for very consistent results.
Next, you will learn how to properly transfer your marks to your pin boards (and the very common mistakes made when doing so!) and how to cut and remove the waste for the pins. Some tricks on test fitting joints will be shown. You will learn some tricks on gluing up dovetail joints. Finally, some tricks for hiding small mistakes will be shown.
Find more information and register here: https://duluthfolkschool.com/events/an-introduction-to-handcut-dovetails/