Dovetails

[Papachad]

For fun, I figured I would post my progress on learning handtool woodworking, specifically hand cut dovetails. Shout out to @pop-pop who was kind enough to sell me a portable workbench/vice (until I build my own bench) and Stanley no 5 which has been awesome to get started with and learn on.

Post some pictures of your dovetails and put mine to shame!

First try (notice I cut the tails backwards)

Tonight's effort:

 

[pop-pop]

Nice!

 

[Westpacx3]

Nice, how does your wife feel about you clamping the vise to her kitchen table.

That's better than my first ones. I need to get back to my own practice.

 

[gamiller3rd]

Nice job

 

[KurtB]

Look very good to me. Excellent job!

 

[danmart77]

Do you cut the pins or tails first?

 

[Graywolf]

Great progress. Dans question is a good one.

 

[wbarnes]

I’m starting to get motivated to go down this rabbit hole as well. Thanks for posting.

 

[Papachad]

Do you cut the pins or tails first?

I cut tails first

 

[Papachad]

I’m starting to get motivated to go down this rabbit hole as well. Thanks for posting.

I recommend it. It's been a very enjoyable process. Just be patient with yourself, there is a couple weeks of practice between the two pictures I posted but it starts coming together and is very satisfying.

 

[Rwe2156]

I cut tails first

Cutting tails first has the advantage of ganging up sides and cutting them all at once.

Also easier to cut square across if sawing freehand.

 

[Dovetail]

Those look pretty darn good. Try making the tail piece with the dark wood.

 

[Papachad]

Cutting tails first has the advantage of ganging up sides and cutting them all at once.

Also easier to cut square across if sawing freehand.

Nice, yeah sawing free hand here so I liked this layout method.

 

[danmart77]

I found this cradle in a small shop in Virginia about 45 years ago. I has angled dovetails that make it a little tougher to build but not impossible. Pins first was my choice.

Before I could get the shellac on the surface, the cat walked thru the dye I made from walnut shells and left the evidence. It was quite conversation piece.

I have made several tool boxes for myself and my son from some pine years later. This is toolbox I am really attached to for carry along my Japanese saws.

Full circle.

Dan

 

[Wilsoncb]

I love the cat paw prints. Does your cat hire out?

 

[Papachad]

View attachment 226565
I found this cradle in a small shop in Virginia about 45 years ago. I has angled dovetails that make it a little tougher to build but not impossible. Pins first was my choice.

View attachment 226566
Before I could get the shellac on the surface, the cat walked thru the dye I made from walnut shells and left the evidence. It was quite conversation piece.




View attachment 226567
I have made several tool boxes for myself and my son from some pine years later. This is toolbox I am really attached to for carry along my Japanese saws.

View attachment 226569
Full circle.

Dan

That looks incredible! I love the cat prints.