Three Essential Dovetails
Kyle Kwiatkowski
Class Preview
0:55
- In-depth Instruction; over 190 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Introduction & Dovetail Planning
49:22
Meet your instructor, woodworking expert Kyle Kwiatkowski, and learn more about the three kinds of dovetails you'll be making in class: through, half-blind and canted. Kyle discusses wood choices and how to mill your boards -- by machine or by hand -- to prepare them for dovetailing. Then get started with marking your boards for each kind of dovetail.
Cutting & Saw Control: Tails
17:41
Kyle goes over the types of saws commonly used for dovetails and demonstrates their use, first with practice cuts, then with cutting the dovetails themselves. Learn how to cut at an angle to the shoulder line accurately and how to make side cuts. Kyle also discusses strategies for cutting half-blind and canted dovetails.
Waste Removal: Tails
25:50
With your saw cuts made, it's time to remove the waste wood in between the dovetails. You can use a coping saw or mortising chisel, then clean up your lines with bench and dovetail chisels. Kyle shows you how, sharing safety and troubleshooting tips along the way.
Transferring Layout & Cutting: Pins
27:21
Your dovetails will now serve as the template for cutting the pins. Kyle demonstrates how to transfer the lines you'll need and how to cut them. You'll learn how to cut the half-blind and canted pins as well. If you make a mistake, a shim might save the day.
Waste Removal: Pins
14:39
With a coping saw or chisels, you'll remove most of the waste from between the pins. This fairly straightforward process on through dovetails becomes trickier when you're negotiating the angles of the half-blind and canted dovetails, where only chisels will work. Kyle walks you through it.
Cleaning the Shoulder Lines
32:54
Learn how to put a razor-sharp tip on your chisels before beginning the delicate process of defining the shoulder lines and truing up your pins on all three types of dovetails. If you run into a problem such as a small split in a pin, Kyle shows how to make repairs.
Final Fit
21:48
The moment of truth arrives as you test the fit of your dovetails and pins. Using graphite or signs of burnishing can help you find the areas where you need to shave the wood to achieve a snug join. Once you're satisfied, you'll plane your surfaces for a smooth finish. Kyle can help you troubleshoot any gaps to produce perfect dovetails.
Advance your craft and learn how to make dovetail joints that are both functional and beautiful dovetail joints. Join expert woodworker and instructor Kyle Kwiatkowski as he guides you through wood selection and material preparation for through, half-blind and canted joints. Get helpful strategies for cutting these dovetails, approaching shoulder lines and cleaning out waste. Learn a variety of chisel techniques for pristine waste removal and confidently cut your pins using the tails as your template. Successfully define shoulder lines and true up your pins on all three joints. Then, use graphite or learn to spot signs of burnishing to find areas where you need to shave the wood to achieve a perfect fit. Plus, get troubleshooting tips and helpful tricks for achieving a snug join for strong, handsome dovetails you’ll proudly showcase in your workshop or home.
Kyle Kwiatkowski
Kyle Kwiatkowski began woodworking at age 15, building makeshift furniture in his garage. He delved deeper into woodworking, attending the Red Rocks School of Fine Woodworking, where he is now an accredited instructor, teaching a range of classes and crafting a variety of products from musical instruments to fine furniture.
Bonus materials available after purchase