The tails, which look like those of a dove, are what give the dovetail joint its name. They make up the edge of one board, and the pins are on the other wooden piece. The pins and tails fit together in a way that interlocks naturally and effectively, preventing separation.
Where does the term dovetail come from?
The etymology of the name comes from the resemblance between the tenon or mortise of the joint to the shape of a dove’s tail . In Europe, the dovetail joint is sometimes called a swallowtail joint, a culvertail joint (culver also means ‘dove’), or a fantail joint.
When did they stop using dovetail joints?
So manufacturers moved away from dovetails. Hand-cut dovetailing was the default until 1860 when uniform machine-cut joints were introduced. But fine cabinetmakers persisted in fitting their joints by hand until the early 1900s, and cabinetmakers in Europe cut dovetails by hand well into the 1930s.
What is the meaning of dovetail joint?
Dovetail joints are known for their inherent strength and resistance to being pulled apart (tensile strength). A dovetail joint has a series of pins and tails in a trapezoidal shape and once glued a dovetail joint has no need for mechanical fasteners.
What is the history of dovetail joinery?
Dovetail joints, named due to their resemblance to the bird’s tail, were first used as far back as ancient Egyptian times where they are found on the furniture entombed with mummies. They were first used in English cabinet making in around 1650.
Where does the term dovetail come from?
The etymology of the name comes from the resemblance between the tenon or mortise of the joint to the shape of a dove’s tail . In Europe, the dovetail joint is sometimes called a swallowtail joint, a culvertail joint (culver also means ‘dove’), or a fantail joint.
What is the meaning of dovetail joint?
Dovetail joints are known for their inherent strength and resistance to being pulled apart (tensile strength). A dovetail joint has a series of pins and tails in a trapezoidal shape and once glued a dovetail joint has no need for mechanical fasteners.
Who invented dovetails?
This paper considers the origins of the dovetail from ancient Egyptian cabinetwork, through its development as a builders’ and joiners’ joint, to becoming the symbol of refined cabinet making.
Are dovetail joints antique?
Most quality pieces of antique furniture will have a dovetail joint in the drawer construction as it was a very early form of construction, but was so successful, it was used for many 100’s of years. The Dovetail joint, got its name because of its similarity to the shape of a birds tail.
Is a finger joint stronger than a dovetail joint?
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.
What are the disadvantages of a dovetail joint?
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 strongest joint in woodworking?
Mortise and tenon joints are widely regarded as one of the strongest and most reliable woodworking joints. They involve creating a mortise, or a hole, in one piece of wood and a tenon on the end of the other piece, which fits into the mortise.
Are dovetail joints worth it?
Making sure that you pick a drawer joint that can withstand this type of wear and tear is crucial to the longevity of your kitchen cabinets. Dovetail joints are considered one of the strongest joints used in kitchen cabinetry construction and are the best solution for a kitchen cabinet drawer box.
Should you glue dovetail joints?
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.
What is the difference between English dovetail and French dovetail?
English dovetails are the most common. They have interlocking joints and allow the most amount of space – usually several more inches of room than you would get with French dovetails. This is because the dovetail groove cannot be put all the way at the edge of a drawer with French dovetails.
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.
Why do people use dovetail joints?
A dovetail joint is a joinery technique used in woodworking, traditionally used to joint wooden furniture. Dovetail joints are known for their inherent strength and resistance to being pulled apart (tensile strength).
What is a secret dovetail joint used for?
4) Secret Double-lapped Dovetail Without using a miter joint, it holds well and is commonly used for constructing boxes, structural frameworks, and furniture pieces.
When was dovetail first used?
While dovetail joints can be found on ancient Egyptian coffins from 3000 BC, they were not used in European and American furniture until the mid 1600s.
What is French dovetail?
French or sliding dovetail joints consist of only a single tail and pin with the tail being slid into a long groove on the connecting piece. The tail is tapered so that it locks in securely just like any other dovetail joint.
What is the meaning of dovetail in Oxford dictionary?
dovetail (something) (with/into something) if two things dovetail or if one thing dovetails with another, they fit together well.
Where is dovetail at on a gun?
A dovetail notch is typically cut into the front or rear of your firearm barrel, receiver, or slide. The notch sits perpendicular to the gun’s bore, and secures a dovetail sight to the firearm. The notch is wider at the base, than the top and this is commonly referred to as the dovetail degrees.
Where does the term dovetail come from?
The etymology of the name comes from the resemblance between the tenon or mortise of the joint to the shape of a dove’s tail . In Europe, the dovetail joint is sometimes called a swallowtail joint, a culvertail joint (culver also means ‘dove’), or a fantail joint.
What is the meaning of dovetail joint?
Dovetail joints are known for their inherent strength and resistance to being pulled apart (tensile strength). A dovetail joint has a series of pins and tails in a trapezoidal shape and once glued a dovetail joint has no need for mechanical fasteners.
What is dovetail legal name?
We are RailSimulator.com Limited (trading as Dovetail Games), a company registered in England and Wales under company number 6751125, and whose registered office is 3rd Floor, Fitted Rigging House, Anchor Wharf, The Historic Dockyard, Chatham ME4 4TZ.
