Joinery with a Dovetail JointCrafting Strong Corners on Drawers using a Jig, Router, or Saw
Wood joinery: how to make strong dovetail corner joints. Dovetails are the first choice for drawers or boxes. Cut dovetail joints with a jig, router, or dovetail saw.
Wood Joinery with a Dovetail JointDovetail joints are one of the strongest corner joints used in woodworking. Why? The strength of any wood joint depends on the amount of open surface area of the two pieces being joined. The more glued surface area, the stronger the joint. While a box joint is strong, the dovetail has it beat hands down. This article explains wood joinery with a dovetail joint. How the Dovetail Joint Maximizes End Grain for StrengthThe name “dovetail” derives from the shape of the mating surfaces. On the socket piece of wood, tail-shaped sockets are cut out. The narrow pieces of wood remaining between sockets are called pins. The tail piece of wood is cut in the opposite fashion; the tails are left while small sockets corresponding to the pins are removed. On either piece, the joint at the top or bottom, once the joint is assembled, is called the shoulder. So, tails mate with sockets and pins mate between tails. Once glued up, the incredible strength of the dovetail joint makes it a favorite for drawer construction. It also explains its popularity in antique furniture. Glues in those days were not as strong as the ones today. How are Dovetail Joints cut?There are three basic methods to cutting dovetail joints. The most precise method is with a jig. Cable Porter dovetail jigs really defined that market although many innovators have come up with their own designs. Homemade jigs are also popular. Cutting dovetail joints using a router and a dovetail template is also very precise. This method is useful in a heavy production environment because it allows the socket piece and the tail piece to be cut at the same time. But any cabinet maker or DIY carpenter worth his salt will be quick to point out that the only true bragging rights are won by hand-cut dovetail joints! This is done by precise layout and careful cutting using a dovetail saw. Tools for Hand-Cutting a Dovetail Joint
The copyright of the article Joinery with a Dovetail Joint in Home Renovation/Repair is owned by Kelly Smith. Permission to republish Joinery with a Dovetail Joint in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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