Many of you probably cut dovetails with power tools & jigs —and so do I. But for some projects, I really prefer cutting them by hand and I never tire of learning how to do it better. That’s what took me on one of my recent video “treks” (journeys), where I filmed the segment I’ve posted here — this time to the shop of master cabinetmaker Craig Vandall Stevens.
In this two-part series, Craig (who studied under James Krenov) uses only a saw, chisel, and several shop made marking devices & guides to cut the most precise joints imaginable. That was impressive enough, but what really made it fun for me, was Craig’s fantastic ability to teach and make the skill accessible. (9.5 Minute Video – Part 1 of 2)
Direct Link to Part One: How to Hand Cut Precision Dovetails: The Pins (Part 1 of 2)
Watch Part Two: How To Hand Cut Precision Dovetails: The Tails (Part 2 of 2):
Other Videos In This Series:
Cut Better Dovetails Using A Chopping Block Guide
Accurately Make Rip Cuts Using a Handsaw
-- Keith Cruickshank, www.woodtreks.com - on-demand woodworking videos
4 comments so far
WoodMosaics
home | projects | blog
99 posts in 425 days
posted 405 days ago
Very interesting.
-- It’s not so much what we know that causes the trouble, it’s what we know that’s not so.
Betsy
home | projects | blog
2386 posts in 789 days
posted 404 days ago
Keith – thanks for the videos. Very informative. I’m looking forward to having some time to watch more off of your site.
-- You can't get a hug from Facebook.
Scott Bryan
home | projects | blog
20603 posts in 715 days
posted 404 days ago
Keith, thanks for the video. It was both informative and well produced. I appreciate the time and effort you put into them. I have struggled with hand cut dovetails for some time now but these videos did provide me with some useful ideas that should improve my technique.
Thanks for the post.
-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.
Keith Cruickshank
home | projects | blog
41 posts in 538 days
posted 404 days ago
I’m glad you are enjoying. Handwork really appeals to me. I like the idea of getting close to the wood and cutting dovetails by hand does that. If I’ve got tons of drawers to make, I’ll go with a jib, but the hand work, that’s what really gets me going. And learning new things appeals to me too. It was fantastic to visit Craig and film him and I’m glad I get to share the experience with you all.
-- Keith Cruickshank, www.woodtreks.com - on-demand woodworking videos