How do you identify a dovetail joint?

This joint type has two parts, called pins and tails. You can tell the difference between these two pieces because the tails are flared triangular shapes, while the pins are thinner. The tails, which look like those of a dove, are what give the dovetail joint its name.

What is an example of a dovetail joint?

Noted for its resistance to being pulled apart, also known as tensile strength, the dovetail joint is commonly used to join the sides of a drawer to the front. A series of pins cut to extend from the end of one board interlock with a series of ‘tails’ cut into the end of another board.

What are the different types of dovetail joints?

There are many different types of Dovetail Joint techniques used in woodworking such as, through dovetail joint, secret mitred dovetail joints, secret double-lapped dovetail joints, sliding dovetail joints, and half-blind dovetail joints.

What is the most common dovetail joint?

Single-lap Dovetail The single-lap (known to many folks as a half-blind dovetail) is the best known of the dovetails since it’s used to join the front to the sides of a drawer.

What is an example of a dovetail joint?

Noted for its resistance to being pulled apart, also known as tensile strength, the dovetail joint is commonly used to join the sides of a drawer to the front. A series of pins cut to extend from the end of one board interlock with a series of ‘tails’ cut into the end of another board.

What are the different types of dovetail joints?

There are many different types of Dovetail Joint techniques used in woodworking such as, through dovetail joint, secret mitred dovetail joints, secret double-lapped dovetail joints, sliding dovetail joints, and half-blind dovetail joints.

What are the basics of a dovetail joint?

The Basics of the Dovetail Joint Dovetail joints consist of an interlocking and snugly fitted series of pins and tails. All the tails are cut into one piece of wood, called here the tail piece. Typically, the completed tail piece then serves as a template for marking and cutting the pins in the pin piece.

What is a dovetail joint simple definition?

: a flaring tenon and a mortise into which it fits tightly making an interlocking joint between two pieces that resists pulling apart in all directions except one.

What is the strongest dovetail joint?

There are basically three types: through, or full, dovetails are used to join carcases, blanket chests, and small boxes. These are regarded as the strongest and most beautiful. Half-blind dovetails are commonly used to join drawer sides to drawer fronts and occasionally are employed on the construction of carcases.

Is a box joint same as a dovetail?

Dovetail joints feature trapezoidal profile cuts, like the tail of a dove, that only slide together in one direction. This design allows them to lock together like a puzzle piece. The rectangular pins of box joints, on the other hand, can slide together in any direction.

What angle is a dovetail joint?

The angle of a dovetail joint should be between 7 and 15 degrees: too broad and the joint won’t be strong enough, too skinny, and the pin can snap. So the angle of the dovetail mainly depends on the use and wear the joint will get. 5. They are called ‘dovetails’ because they are shaped like the tail feathers of a dove!

What is the best material for dovetail joints?

There are a lot of different types of wood out there but almost all woodworkers around the internet agree that the best wood to practice dovetails on is poplar. From my own experiences, I would have to agree. It has some of the best properties from both softwood and hardwood while not having big open grain.

When did they stop using dovetail joints?

By 1730, through dovetail joinery was abandoned in English furniture making in favor of the lapped construction. As furniture became more refined, furniture makers began to take pride in the construction of their drawers as well.

What does a dovetail drawer look like?

Dovetail drawer boxes are usually made out of a solid hardwood like Ash or Maple. The joints at the front and back of the drawer boxes are notched to fit together like a puzzle piece. This adds extreme strength to the drawer box joints.

What are 2 uses of dovetail joint?

Through Dovetail Here, two pieces of wood are joined together at their ends with a finger-like interlocking method which is seen from all outside surfaces. This method is used in everyday practice for joining the corners of frames, boxes, cabinets, and other items.

When were dovetail joints used?

They were first used in English cabinet making in around 1650. Commonly used in woodwork joinery, they can act as a useful tool while dating our furniture. Until the 1880s, all furniture dovetails were cut by hand using a chisel and hammer.

What is an example of a dovetail joint?

Noted for its resistance to being pulled apart, also known as tensile strength, the dovetail joint is commonly used to join the sides of a drawer to the front. A series of pins cut to extend from the end of one board interlock with a series of ‘tails’ cut into the end of another board.

What are the different types of dovetail joints?

There are many different types of Dovetail Joint techniques used in woodworking such as, through dovetail joint, secret mitred dovetail joints, secret double-lapped dovetail joints, sliding dovetail joints, and half-blind dovetail joints.

Do dovetails need glue?

While it is true that tight-fitting dovetails on a drawer would not need any glue to keep them from being pulled apart in the direction that the drawer is used (i.e., pulled and pushed), it’s also true that dovetails use mechanical action to keep them together in only one direction.

How deep are dovetail joints?

Try to keep the depth of the dovetail groove between 1/3 and 1/2 the thickness of the part. For example, if the gable of a chest of drawers is 3/4″ thick, machine the dovetail groove between 1/4″ and 3/8″ deep. Any deeper and you will weaken the gable too much.

What are 2 uses of dovetail joint?

Through Dovetail Here, two pieces of wood are joined together at their ends with a finger-like interlocking method which is seen from all outside surfaces. This method is used in everyday practice for joining the corners of frames, boxes, cabinets, and other items.

What is the strongest joint in woodworking?

What is the strongest woodworking joint? For excellent stability, the mortise and tenon joint is a great choice. It’s a relatively simple joint, yet it holds well. Woodworkers have been using it for generations because of its strength, versatility and simple design.

What size is a dovetail joint?

Dovetail Dado Wood Joints have joint widths of 2/3 and joint depths of 1/2. Wood joints are typically used in wood members with widths between 1.5”-3.5” (3.8-8.9 cm) and depths between of . 75”-3.5” (1.9-8.9 cm).

What are the weaknesses of dovetail?

The disadvantages of dovetail joints are that they can be fairly difficult to mark out and cut, and if they are made badly these joints lose the advantages listed above. Depending on the project, function, and design, there are a number of different types of dovetail joints to choose from.

What is the weakest joint in woodworking?

A butt joint uses a simple technique whereby two pieces of material are joined together at their ends, without any special shaping or cutting. Although it is simple, the butt joint is also the weakest of the wood joinery types.

What is the minimum thickness for a dovetail?

Structurally I have looked for pin strength in dovetails as the dovetailed aspect is always strong because it is always at least as wide and mostly wider than the pins. In my own work I aim for a minimum size of 1/4″ and mostly 3/8″.

Mike Walker

Repair and Construction Expert. WoodiesDIY.tv Owner