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handcut dovetails in 7 minutes

991 views 4 replies 5 participants last post by  pontic 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
#3 ·
Chris is a very well known maker of Shaker furniture and has written a great number of articles for Fine Woodworking over the years.
I like his trick of marking the inside of the tails with a pencil and just starting it in the pin side then removing any transferred graphite off of the tales left on the pins with a chisel. I also like his handy-dandy drawer holder for sanding the drawers one together.
 
#4 · (Edited by Moderator)
Definitely points out sheer experience and a rhythm allow you to set a pace. Notice the chisels are used but are returned to their respective sides. How stacking the pieces and doing the chopping is repeated a little bit on each section of waste. Part way thru, flip the boards and repeat on the other side. Sort of like driving a bunch of nails by hand where you settle back into a rhythm that you haven't used in 10 or more years.

Hoping to start cutting my first dovetails in the next few weeks. I'll re-watch this one again.
 
#5 ·
I do one hand cut dovetail drawer joint side a day for the last 8 months. Mostly with 3/4 cherry scrap stock.
I'm getting better but still no where as good as that, in fact I still suck.. I did find out that keeping your chisels wicked sharp is absolutely necessary.
 
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