Dovetail Joint

2016-02-18T16:13:17Z

Feast1304: Created article

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dovetail_joint '''Dovetail Joints'''] are one of the strongest joints for box or carcass construction and can only be separated in one direction. There are '''Dovetail''' type variations for several framing joints ''(e.g.see '''[[Halving Joint|Halving]]''', '''[[Housing Joint|Housing]]''' and '''[[Bridle Joint|Bridle]]''' '''Joints''')''. In addition, '''Dovetail''' shaped '''Keys''' can be used to reinforce joints ''(e.g. '''[[Mitre Joint|Mitre Joints]]''')''.

Increased use of '''[[Manufactured Boards]]''', modern adhesives and the development of new technologies such as the '''[[Biscuit Joint]]''' makes the cutting of most traditional wood joints less cost effective, but hand-cut joints still have a place in high-quality cabinet work and especially if the joint is used as a signature part of the design or a decorative feature. The illustration shows '''Single''' and '''Multiple''' '''Dovetails''' and both '''Through Dovetails''' and '''Lap Dovetails'''.

The two main parts of the joint are:
* the '''Tails''', which are cut with the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood_grain '''Grain'''] on the end of one of the joining pieces;
* the '''Pins''', which are cut into the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood_grain '''End Grain'''] of the other.
In the case of both '''Through Dovetails''' and '''Lap Dovetails''' the shape of the '''Tails''' can be seen and used to decorative effect. This can be enhanced if the size and/or depth of '''Tails''' is varied, if narrow '''Pins''' are cut in relation to the width of '''Tails''' or if contrasting timbers are used.
[[File:DovetailJoints.png|500px|right]]

__TOC__

<div style="clear: both;"></div>
=====Marking Out=====
* The joining pieces are prepared as normal and marked with '''[[Face Side and Face Edge]]''' marks.
* The thickness of the timber to be joined is marked out across each board.
* The '''Tails''' are set out and their angle marked with a '''[[Gauges|Bevel Gauge]]''' ''(alternatively, a '''[[Template|Dovetail Template]]''' may be used)'' and '''[Squareness|Squared]]''' across the end using a '''[[Try Square]]'''.
* The distance between '''Tails''' ''(i.e. te '''Pins''')'' can be about 3/4 the thickness of timber and their width 3 times the thickness, but this is often varied : thinner '''Pins''' for aesthetics or equal '''Pins''' and Tails''' for maxiumum gluing area.
* A '''[[Marking Knife]]''' is used with a '''[[Try Square]]''' ''(alternatively use a '''[[Gauges|Cutting Gauge]]''')'' to scribe an incised line across the waste marking the '''Pins''' to ensure a clean cut.
[[File:DovetailMarkingOut.png|700px|right]]

<div style="clear: both;"></div>
=====Sawing the Tails=====
[[File:DovetailSawingTails.png|400px|right]]
* Saw the down the waste side of the '''Tails''' using a '''[[Tenon Saw]]'''.
* Position, re-position and reverse the work-piece in the '''[[Carpenters Vice|Vice]]''' to ensure the saw is used vertically and the waste is always on the blind side.
* Position the work-piece vertically in the '''[[Carpenters Vice|Vice]]''' and cut across the bottom of the waste using a '''[[Coping Saw]]'''.
* Finish the '''Tails''' by scribing across the edges of the work-piece, '''[[Paring|Pare]]''' with a '''[[Chisels|Chisel]]''' to cut a shallow 'Vee' groove across the line of the shoulders, and saw out with a '''[[Tenon Saw]]'''.

=====Marking the Pins=====
[[File:DovetailMarkingPins|400px|right]]
* Hold the '''Tails''' on the end of the second piece of timber and use this as a '''[[Template]]'''.
* Use a '''[[Pens, Pencils and Scribers|Scriber]]''', '''[[Marking Knife]]''', '''Penknife''', '''[[Craft Knife]]''' or very sharp pencil to mark the '''Pins''' on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood_grain '''End Grain'''].
* A traditional alternative is to delay cutting out the waste between the '''Tails''' and use their saw cuts to locate a '''[[Tenon Saw]]''' which is then drawn out to mark a line as shown.
* ''(an even older method, is to use a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pounce_%28art%29 '''Pounce-Bag'''] instead of a saw. This is a small, fine cloth bag filled with powdered chalk. When tapped on top of the saw cuts, chalk dust falls through and marks the lines required)''

<div style="clear: both;"></div>
=====Cutting the Pins=====
[[File:DovetailSawingPins.png|400px|right]]
* Position the work-piece vertically in the '''[[Carpenters Vice|Vice]]''' and saw down the waste side of the '''Pins''' using a '''[[Tenon Saw]]'''.
* Cut across the bottom of the '''Pins''' using a '''[[Coping Saw]]'''.
* If needed, line up the bottom of the '''Pins''' with a scrap of suitable thickness timber placed behind the work-piece and use this a a depth stop to guide the blind side of the saw.

<div style="clear: both;"></div>
=====Cutting Pins for a Lap Dovetail=====
[[File:LapDovetailCuttingPins.png|400px|right]]
* '''Lap Dovetails''' are commonly used in drawer construction. The '''''lap''''' prevents [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood_grain '''End Grain'''] showing on the drawer front and the '''Tails''' provide resistance to joint coming apart as the drawer is opened and closed.
* '''Tails are cut as normal''' and marked on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood_grain '''End Grain'''] of the second work-piece as before - but aligned with the '''''lap'''''.
* A '''[[Tenon Saw]]''' is used at an angle to saw along the lines marking the pins as far as possible.
* The waste can then be removed by using a '''[[Chisels|Chisel]]''' and '''[[Mallets|Mallet]]''' - optionally, the end of the waste can be removed first drilling along the end with closely space holes.
* Finally, the '''Pins''' are '''[[Paring|Pared]]''' down to the lines.
----
<span style="color: green">'''Note:'''
Whether '''Tails''' or '''Pins''' should be cut first is often a matter of debate and ultimately a matter of personal choice, but the view of '''DT Online''' is that it is easiest to cut '''Tails''' first for '''Through Dovetails''' and '''Lap Dovetails''' but '''Pins''' first for others.
</span>
----

<div style="clear: both;"></div>
=====Using a Router and Dovetail Jig=====
[[File:DovetailJig.png |300px|right]]
* '''[[Router#Dovetail_Jig|Dovetail Jigs]]''' enable the two pieces of timber making the joint to be clamped together with a '''[[Template]]''' comprising a series of equally spaced guide slots. A '''[[Router]]''' equipped with a '''Dovetail Cutter''' is simply passed along each slot in turn to cut both halves of the eventual '''Dovetail Joint'''.
* The bottom of the '''Pins''' are left rounded by the action of the cutter which is hidden by the '''''lap''''' of '''Lap Dovetails'''.
* '''[[Router#Dovetail_Jig|Dovetail Jigs]]''' produce equal size '''Pins''' and '''Tails'''.

<span style="color: red">'''Safety Point!'''
All high-speed woodcutting machinery is dangerous. '''[[Router|Routers]]''' must only be used by trained adults or trainees under direct supervision by specifically trained staff.
</span>
----
<div style="clear: both;"></div>
=====Other Types of Dovetail=====
[[File:SecretDovetails.png|400px|right]]
* '''Secret Lap Dovetail'''
** ''(aka a '''Double Lap Dovetail''')'' these have '''''laps''''' covering both '''Tails''' and '''Pins''' such that only a thin strip of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood_grain '''End Grain'''] shows.
** Both '''Tails''' and '''Pins''' are cut in the same way as '''Pins''' are cut for a '''Lap Dovetail'''.
* '''Secret Mitred Dovetail'''
** These are similar to '''Secret Lap Dovetails''' except both '''''laps''''' are extended and '''[[Mitre Joint|Mitred]]''' where they meet.
** In addition, an allowance is left on the edges of the work-pieces and this too is '''[[Mitre Joint|Mitred]]''' such that, on assembly, the '''Secret Mitred Dovetail''' looks just like a plain '''[[Mitre Joint|Mitred]]''' but is, of course, much stronger.

Both these '''''secret''''' '''Dovetails''' are used only in the highest quality cabinet work and in jewellery boxes for example.

[[Category:Wood Joints]]

File:SecretDovetails.png

2016-02-18T16:03:24Z

Feast1304: 'Secret' Dovetail Joints Category:Wood Joints

'Secret' Dovetail Joints

[[Category:Wood Joints]]

File:LapDovetailCuttingPins.png

2016-02-18T16:02:21Z

Feast1304: Lap Dovetail - Cutting PIns Category:Wood Joints

Lap Dovetail - Cutting PIns

[[Category:Wood Joints]]

File:DovetailSawingPins.png

2016-02-18T16:01:25Z

Feast1304: Dovetail Joints - Cutting Pins Category:Wood Joints

Dovetail Joints - Cutting Pins

[[Category:Wood Joints]]

File:DovetailMarkingPins.png

2016-02-18T16:00:03Z

Feast1304: Dovetail Joints - Marking Pins Category:Wood Joints

Dovetail Joints - Marking Pins

[[Category:Wood Joints]]

File:DovetailSawingTails.png

2016-02-18T15:59:23Z

Feast1304: Dovetail Joints - Sawing Tails Category:Wood Joints

Dovetail Joints - Sawing Tails

[[Category:Wood Joints]]

File:DovetailScribingTails.png

2016-02-18T15:58:37Z

Feast1304: Dovetail Joints - Scribing Shoulders Category:Wood Joints

Dovetail Joints - Scribing Shoulders

[[Category:Wood Joints]]

File:DovetailMarkingOut.png

2016-02-18T15:57:33Z

Feast1304: Dovetail Joints - Marking Out Category:Wood Joints

Dovetail Joints - Marking Out

[[Category:Wood Joints]]

File:DovetailJoints.png

2016-02-18T15:56:37Z

Feast1304: Dovetail Joints Category:Wood Joints

Dovetail Joints

[[Category:Wood Joints]]

DT Online - User contributions [en-gb]