HOWTO Make a Dovetail Joint
Required Tools:
bandsaw, chisels, mallet, ruler, marking guage
~Step 1:
Start by sawing one length of hardwood into two pieces. Set the marking guage exactly to the thickness of the material, and mark both pieces on the ends that will fit together.
~Step 2:
Using the ruler and a pencil, mark on the end of one piece two dovetail-shaped shapes. Space them nicely.
~Step 3:
Using the bandsaw, remove the material around the dovetails (not the dovetails themselves). Leave a little extra material on the dovetails for adjustment later.
~Step 4:
Place the dovetail piece on the second piece, aligning precisely. Make sure the little end of the dovetail aligns with the end of the wood. If you do this backwards, the joint won’t work. Using a sharp pencil, trace the dovetail outline onto the second piece.
~Step 5:
This time use the bandsaw to cut out the inside of the dovetail shapes. Again, leave a little extra on the sides of the hole for adjestment later.
~Step 6:
Use the mallet and chisels to shave thin layers off each dovetail face until the two pieces fit together snugly.
”Et Voilá!”
