Woodworker's Journal 1994-18-6, страница 34

Cutting "Through"Dovetails

A distinctive joint

for a simple but versatile table

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34 Novemher/December 1994

Of all the joints used by woodworkers, dovetails enjoy a special status. A marvel of low-tech engineering, the joint is unsurpassed in its combination of simple elegance, durability, and strength (figure I). And, in a through dovetail at least all of these qualities are on full display—what you see is what you get. Because they olTer few places to hide sloppy work, dovetails have come to stand for fine craftsmanship as well as quality construction.

Woodworkers interested in hand-tool techniques consider cutting dovetails something of a rite of passage. I remember my first attempt vividly. The assembled dovetails presented a sorry sight—like an unkempt hedge, they were prickly with slivers of wood I had wedged into the numerous gaps to cover my imprecise sawing. The experience was sobering but not defeating. With practice, my dovetailing improved.

Some of my initial difficulties resulted from attempting to run before I could walk—my first projects were loo complicated. The simple table design presented here will provide you the opportunity for a smoother start (figure 2). Each leg attaches with just two through

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