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.Most commonly, woodworkers design their joinery using either a 1:6 or 1:8 dovetail angle.
What is the most common dovetail angle?
Percy Blandford, who has been writing about woodworking for a long time, writes in “The Woodworker’s Bible” that any angle between 7.5° and 10° is acceptable. The ideal, he says, is 8.5° for softwoods and 7.5° when joining hardwoods.
What is the most popular 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.
Are dovetails 1 6 or 1 8?
Steeper angles like 1:6 give more strength to a joint in softwoods (in theory). The 1:8 angle gives a slimmer look, and because hardwoods are much stronger, it has plenty of hold. 1:8 is my favorite. Here’s how to set a sliding bevel or protractor to the correct dovetail angle (if you don’t have a jig or guide).
What is a standard dovetail?
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. The pins and tails have a trapezoidal shape. Once glued, a wooden dovetail joint requires no mechanical fasteners.
What is a standard dovetail?
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. The pins and tails have a trapezoidal shape. Once glued, a wooden dovetail joint requires no mechanical fasteners.
What angle should a dovetail joint be?
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!
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 are common dovetail sizes?
What is an English dovetail joint?
A dovetail joint is a locking joint. The English dovetail construction tends to allow for the largest possible drawer storage capacity. French dovetail construction is used for more elaborate features such a curved, bowed design.
What are the 2 types of dovetail joints?
Creating the correct type for your project will enable you to not only create strength but highlight your skills and abilities as well. The following are the different types of dovetail joints: Through dovetail. Half-blind dovetail.
Is 11mm dovetail the same as 3 8?
However, that is not the only difference between the two dovetails. They also have different groove angles as shown below. The 11 mm dovetail has a 60-degree angle, while the 3/8” dovetail has a 45-degree angle.
What is the difference between 11mm and 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. The measurements 3/8 and 11mm are not the same for this reason plus the angles are different.
Are all dovetail bits 14 degrees?
You’ll need a jig to make most dovetail joints, as well as a guide Bushing for your router. Check the instructions with your Dovetail jig to select a bit with the appropriate angle, which will usually be somewhere between 7 and 14 degrees.
Are all dovetail bits 14 degrees?
You’ll need a jig to make most dovetail joints, as well as a guide Bushing for your router. Check the instructions with your Dovetail jig to select a bit with the appropriate angle, which will usually be somewhere between 7 and 14 degrees.
What dovetail ratio is best?
As regards the ratio to use on various woods, dont get your knickers in a knot. Anything from 1:6 to 1:9 looks good and works well. Too little rise leaves corners with short grain that easily breaks off, too much rise looks like a poorly made box joint.
What is the typical angle of a dovetail metal?
Angles used on dovetails On large industrial scale machines the angle is usually 45º. For smaller dovetails the usual angle is 60º. Any less than this, i.e. 60° on a small machine, complicates the design of the adjustment mechanism. The angle produced is set by the dovetail cutter used.
Should dovetail joints be glued?
Michael Dresdner: The only areas that require glue on dovetails are the diagonal faces. All the diagonal faces are long grain, all the square faces are end grain, and all the flat faces abut end grain. Therefore, you need only apply glue to the diagonal faces on the tails or pins, or both.
Are dovetail joints worth it?
Dovetail drawers are known for their durability. The joint’s design provides exceptional resistance to the stresses of heavy items, making them ideal for storing dishes, pots, and pans. The construction of dovetail drawers ensures that they will not come apart easily, even with frequent use.
What dovetail ratio is best?
As regards the ratio to use on various woods, dont get your knickers in a knot. Anything from 1:6 to 1:9 looks good and works well. Too little rise leaves corners with short grain that easily breaks off, too much rise looks like a poorly made box joint.
Is a box joint stronger than a dovetail?
For box joint, some people put a lot more fingers than it is possible to do with Dovetail. In this case, the gluing surface is larger, and the joint is likely stronger. Also, some find a way to hide a finish nail in the joint. Dovetail has the advantage of a mechanical lock independent of the glue.
Are dovetail joints still used?
They are still used, but nowadays more from tradition and a desire to show craftsmanship than anything else. The dovetail evolved as a way to keep box corner joints together using the poor boiled-hooves-and-hide glues then available. The shape of the joint provides some mechanical locking in the corner.
Which hand saw is best suited to making a dovetail joint?
Gent’s saws. A gent’s saw is a small, economically priced backsaw meant for general work. These saws are typically available in 6- to 10″-long versions, with teeth per inch (tpi) usually ranging from 12tpi to 22tpi. Although often configured for crosscutting, the teeth work fine for dovetailing.
What angle is a 1 in 8 dovetail?
A 1:8 ratio – one unit horizontal with eight matching units drawn vertical – is an angle of 7.1 degrees.
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″.
What is the strongest joint in woodworking?
While there are many adequately strong ways to join wood, a properly executed mortise-and-tenon joint is the strongest option.
