What is the best dovetail ratio?

Dovetail angles are usually expressed as ratios — the most common being 1:6 and 1:8 (said “one in eight,” and also written as 6:1 or 8:1). As a general rule of thumb: Use 1:6 for softwoods. Use 1:8 for hardwoods.

What is the standard dovetail ratio?

With regard to what to use, a common recommendation is 1:8 for hardwoods and 1:6 for softwoods. These recommendations are based on some arguments related to strength. However, people use a lot of different ratios depending on application and aesthetics.

What is a 6 1 dovetail ratio?

A 1:6 ratio – that’s one unit horizontal with six matching units drawn vertical – lays out as a 9.5 degree angle.

What size dovetail should I use?

For drawers, boxes or trays 2″ or less I generally like a single dovetail. For 3″ to 3 1/2″ and less two dovetails, for 4″ three dovetails, for 5″ to 6″ four dovetails and for 6″ four or possibly five.

What is the standard dovetail ratio?

With regard to what to use, a common recommendation is 1:8 for hardwoods and 1:6 for softwoods. These recommendations are based on some arguments related to strength. However, people use a lot of different ratios depending on application and aesthetics.

What is a 6 1 dovetail ratio?

A 1:6 ratio – that’s one unit horizontal with six matching units drawn vertical – lays out as a 9.5 degree angle.

Is 11mm and 3 8 dovetail the same?

The 11 mm dovetail has a 60-degree angle, while the 3/8” dovetail has a 45-degree angle.

What is the most common dovetail pitch?

6:1 (9.5°) and 8:1 (7.1°) dovetail ratios are the most common (though you’ll often see 4:1 and 10:1 as well). 8:1 and higher ratios have a steeper angle that works well in hardwoods, since these woods aren’t as likely to compress and don’t require as extreme of wedge.

What ratio is a 14 degree dovetail?

Commonly accepted ratios are 1:8 for hardwoods and 1:6 for softer timber. This 14° marker equates to a ratio of 1:4. When used with thinner stock, the 14° angle results in a better looking joint.

What are the standards for dovetail design?

As a rule of thumb the dovetail’s maximum width should occupy approximately 1/ 2 to 3/ 4 of the gasket’s width (leaving a 1/ 4 – 1/ 8 of gasket width on each side). For larger gasket widths, multiple dovetails can be made side-by- side, facing the same direction or inverted.

How deep should a dovetail joint be?

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 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.

What is the hardest dovetail?

Fully blind dovetails still implement the pins and tails visible in the through and half blind dovetail approach, but they’re concealed from both sides. These are the hardest types of dovetail joints to recognize, and arguably the hardest to build.

What are the rules for dovetail joints?

The ‘pins’ are the bits of wood between the tails so there are two half-pins; one each side. The general rule is that they measure half the thickness of timber plus around a mm, so the two dots on the shoulder line are 7mm in from each edge.

Is dovetail the highest quality?

Dovetail is arguably the strongest joint in millwork. It’s made so that it can’t be twisted or pulled in any direction except for one. This means that it’ll take more force to break or damage the joint.

Which is better English or French dovetail?

While both English and French dovetail construction are very sturdy and high quality, English dovetail construction is slightly sturdier with the trade-off of being more expensive and time-consuming to produce.

What size is a 3 8 dovetail?

The 3/8 Inch is measured across the bottom of the dovetail whereas the 11 mm is measured across the top of the dovetail. A 3/8 Inch dovetail is about 12.7 mm across the top.

What are the standards for dovetail design?

As a rule of thumb the dovetail’s maximum width should occupy approximately 1/ 2 to 3/ 4 of the gasket’s width (leaving a 1/ 4 – 1/ 8 of gasket width on each side). For larger gasket widths, multiple dovetails can be made side-by- side, facing the same direction or inverted.

What ratio is a 14 degree dovetail?

Commonly accepted ratios are 1:8 for hardwoods and 1:6 for softer timber. This 14° marker equates to a ratio of 1:4. When used with thinner stock, the 14° angle results in a better looking joint.

What are the dimensions of a standard dovetail slot?

The dovetail slot is nailed to the inside of the form. When the concrete is poured and the form is removed, the slot allows anchors to be installed and adjusted vertically. Standard Size: 1″ x 1″ narrowing down to a 5/8″ throat in 10 foot lengths.

What is the formula for measuring dovetails?

To obtain dimension x for measuring male dovetails, add 1 to the cotangent of one-half the dovetail angle α, multiply by diameter D of the rods used, and add the product to dimension α.

What is the standard dovetail ratio?

With regard to what to use, a common recommendation is 1:8 for hardwoods and 1:6 for softwoods. These recommendations are based on some arguments related to strength. However, people use a lot of different ratios depending on application and aesthetics.

What is a 6 1 dovetail ratio?

A 1:6 ratio – that’s one unit horizontal with six matching units drawn vertical – lays out as a 9.5 degree angle.

What size dovetail should I use?

For drawers, boxes or trays 2″ or less I generally like a single dovetail. For 3″ to 3 1/2″ and less two dovetails, for 4″ three dovetails, for 5″ to 6″ four dovetails and for 6″ four or possibly five.

What is the spacing for dovetail jigs?

The two most common spacings are on 7/8″ and 1″ centers. The goal is to end up with a half pin (or close to it) at the top and the bottom. For example, if your jig uses a 1″ spacing, the height of the drawers should be in even increments of 1″.

What are the dimensions of a standard dovetail slot?

The dovetail slot is nailed to the inside of the form. When the concrete is poured and the form is removed, the slot allows anchors to be installed and adjusted vertically. Standard Size: 1″ x 1″ narrowing down to a 5/8″ throat in 10 foot lengths.

Mike Walker

Repair and Construction Expert. WoodiesDIY.tv Owner