Dovetail Joints

Dovetail joints are a recognized mark of craftsmanship. We'll show you the fundamentals of making dovetails using a variety of methods including hand tools and dovetail jigs.

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Hand-cut dovetails

Hand-cut dovetails

Cutting dovetails the old-fashioned way is more than a link to the past.

12-Minute Dovetails

Tools Editor Bob Hunter shows how to cut four dovetail joints in 12 minutes.

Cutting board with saw Front inside

Practice makes proficient

Develop your skills through hard work, practice, and study.
What is a dead-blow mallet?
My dovetail jig manual suggests using a dead-blow mallet on tight joints. What is it, and why should I buy one?
What’s up with this unusual dovetail joint?
I bought a bathroom vanity with dovetailed drawers, as shown below. Why do the drawer joints have such a wide pin at the top?
Dazzle with Double Dovetails

This decorative joint is easier to create than you might think.

Make Dovetail Joints Without a Jig - Weekend With WOOD 2015

Dovetailing Wide Panels

Now your through-dovetail jig has no limits.

Routing Double Dovetails

Using the Incra router-table fence, you can rout a striking double-dovetail joint.

Tip of the Day

Tune-up tip for perfect planing

Give it routine maintenance like the tip below for glass smooth results board after board. When... read more