Hand formed Dovetails

[Dagster]

Ok, so how many of you guys hand form dovetails? How many of you find them to be acceptable? I'm not talking perfect, I know as woodworkers we tend to be perfectionists. I'm asking if you can hand form dovetails and get a solid joint as it should be within reason.

Me? Not so much, I haven't practiced much either. I have a machine that gets it right every time though :D I do love a good box joint but do that on the table saw. I have extreme admiration for those that can pull off a nice dovetail joint by hand.

[Terry Mac]

I've done quite a few little boxes with hand-cut dovetails. No, they're certainly not perfect, but a little glue mixed with sawdust cures alot of ills. Most of what I've read on the net says that a good hand cut dovetail is in the measuring and marking of your cuts. But I really think its in the saw you use. A good back-saw or dozuki is the cats meow.

[Don]

Been there, done that, but it was 33 years ago. I did it once I don't have to prove I can do it again. I think this is the only set I've ever cut by hand, sophomore year at high school.

http://www.internetcp.com/gallery/data/503/dovetail_2.jpg http://www.internetcp.com/gallery/data/503/dovetail_1.jpg

One day I plan to do it again.

dawjr

[mmwood_1]

For most of my dovetails I use a PC Omnijig. But I am often called by people who have unusual layouts, or problematic spaces to work with. This has resulted in cabinets, and drawers, that do not have four 90 degree corners. I always make my drawers with dovetail joints, so, those off-angle drawers have to have their joints cut by hand. It requires very precise layout, careful cutting, but even more careful chiselling after the rough cut. The rough cut being within 1/32" of the layout line. I use japanese saws for all of my hand cuts. And very sharp chisels. And the customers have to be able to pay for the time because it IS time-consuming. The last job that occurred on, I believe it took me 2-3 days to make 4 drawers!