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.
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 does a dovetail joint mean?
Other forms: dovetailed; dovetails; dovetailing. A dovetail is a joint in woodworking where two sides are fitted together with interlocking pieces.
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.
Why are dovetail joints so strong?
The tails look like the tail of a dove (hence the name), and the pins are on the opposite board and fit in between the tails to create a joint that is impossible to pull apart in at least one direction. Add some glue, clamp the joint together well, and it will be impossible to pull apart in the other direction as well.
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.
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?
Hand cut dovetail joints require precise handsaw and chisel skills, and can be fiddly to mark out and cut. If dovetail joints are poorly made they will lose the advantage of strength and durability.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What is a Knapp joint?
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.
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).
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.
What age of furniture is dovetail?
The English cabinet maker first started using the dovetail joint in the mid 17th Century on walnut furniture and carried on doing this by hand until the late 19th century when they were produced by machines, mainly in the Edwardian periods.
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 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.
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 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.
When did dovetail start?
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. Dovetails have flared tails like a bird on the end of the drawer’s side boards that interlock into mirroring pins on the drawer’s face board.
