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Introduction

Hand cut dovetails are considered the mark of a craftsman. In this two day class we'll introduce you to the techniques and sequences of steps to cut dovetails by hand using a hand saw and chisels.

Why is this a beginner class? Dovetails teach you the basics of layout and markup, using a handsaw and using a chisel to pare and chop. Dovetails, also, are easier to cut and fit than mortice and tenon joinery. There are more cheats and they're more forgiving. Plus if you go home and practise them you can improve rapidly.

Class Description

In this class you'll learn:

• What is a dovetail
• How to layout out dovetails
• How to saw to a line
• How to sharpen and maintain a chisel
• How to pare and chop to a line with a chisel
• Make through and half blind dovetails
• The art of fitting dovetails
• Build a small drawer (if things progress well in the class)

Tools:

For these beginner classes you don't need to bring  tools - we have tools at each workbench that you can use. 

Learning sharpening is best done working on your own chisel - please bring a 1/2" chisel. Irwin (formerly Marples) blue handled chisels are very reasonable - about $13 from Woodcraft but also available locally at Edensaw.

If you have a good quality Dovetail Saw 

More about this class

• Class Notes
• Blog Entries

Prerequisites

None

Class Information and Registration

Class starts at 9:00am on the first day.

Please read our What to Expect page for general information about the School.

Please also read out registration policy.

Coming Classes:

When you click on the Register link you will be able to register for the class or, if the class is full, sign up for the wait list.