How to Hand Cut Dovetail Joints Simple and Easy Hand Tool Woodworking Skill

Dovetails can be complex, but they do not need to be. This is the simplest and easiest way I know to Hand cut a Dovetail joint. As Hand tool Woodworking skills go this one is very easy once you master a few basic skills.

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[SuperRedhat]

Nice to see a dovetail video where perfection is not expected. Takes the pressure off of learning. (Although, your tails still ended up looking pretty darn good). Thanks.

[felixgarf]

Really like your approach. Hand made does NOT mean perfect. That can be left to machines.
Thanks for keeping the faith.

[jffffffjjjjjjj]

You made me feel so good about making mistakes in my dovetails! 😂 you are the best.

[Dunc]

Very helpful. And I like that you actually used your Moxon vise!

[hugodesrosiers-plaisance]

Accidently cut out the damn pins. HAHAHA. Yep. Oh hell yep.

BTW, James, I find it to be good training to start with getting the box joint down solid before tackling the dovetail! Learn how to saw accurately and 90 degrees, and then just skew the angles!

[TheShavingWoodWorkshop]

Probably one of the best videos I have seen any one do on this subject James, and really good message as well.

[YouCanMakeThisToo]

I really like the idea of scooping up to the wall instead of paring all of the waste out, so there is support when you flip the board over to chop.

Also, that bearkat saw is so sexy.

[rick]

Cosmic coicidence! T'was cleaning my humble shop this afternoon and came across my very first try at dovetails(that I kept, ) from 20 years ago. Was just an experiment and it worked(like you said James.) Blew the dust off them and put them back in box, box on shelf, and voila, with a little luck will be able to show them to a grandchild one day...cheers...rr

[davethm]

Appreciate your teaching and encouragement

[craigspicer]

I used the process and its fun to do and produces results which i am happy with for the skill level i have. Thanks James and this channel is great to watch and learn.

[lanwanx]

Really really enjoyed this video, and thanks for making me pumped to try dove tails, I have watched so many videos and always been discouraged because they try to show off and make them perfect.

[opasworkshop]

nice job James those dovetails turned out really good. those drawers are going to be sturdy from what I can see.

[bradknecht]

I really like that you don't use an angle gauge....totally fits with the idea of not being dead on perfect....very organic and real. Nice video!

[derekpeterson]

Love this video! Great advice and your dovetails look great. So many channels make you feel like the tails need to be perfect. Starting out they won't be. Great job!

[bluesky]

I'm just starting on your series after watching a couple of your videos. Thank you for explaining what you're doing as you go, and why! It really helps this inexperienced woodworker.

[thischarmingman]

great tip on using the reflection in the saw to make sure its straight! thanks

[NikosDIY]

I've never tried dovetails and after watching this video I thing I 'll give it a shot. Thank you very much!

[onlywiseman]

OMG!!! saw reflection trick!!
As a beginner, I've been having tilted and slanted dovetail cut making the gaps worse..
I am going to do saw reflection trick!!!

Love your Channel!!

[k.b.woodworker]

The reflection saw tip is something I'm going to try. Thanks for the excellent video!

[joep]

excellent tips. before watching this, mistakes were made! now i made a story stick and looking forward a much better outcome thank to your vids!