Types of Dovetails
Biscuit joiner cuts the slots A dedicated tool and an oddly shaped tenon combine to create a biscuit joint. At the heart of the process is a power tool called a biscuit joiner or a plate joiner.
Bridle joints are very similar to the mortise and tenon joint but the difference is in the size of the mortise and tenon. Because these joints still have a mortise and tenon they are still very strong and fairly attractive.
Dovetail joints are commonly used to build boxes, drawers, and cabinets. The shape of the "tails and pins" in the joint make it nearly impossible to break. Glue is used to strengthen the joint but no screws or fasteners are necessary.
For the woodworker building furniture and cabinets, the sliding dovetail is a joint well worth mastering. Strong and versatile, the sliding dovetail joint has many applications, from case construction to leg-and-rail joinery. You’ve probably seen a drawing of the sliding dovetail joint.
The reason dovetails are easier is there are only 3 angles that matter, as opposed to 4 with finger joints. With finger joints, every cut must be straight down the board and straight across it, so you have to get 2 angles right for each cut.
The procedure for cutting half blind dovetails with a dovetail jig system is pretty much the same basic procedure. Mark the depth of cut on the tail board based on the width of the pin board minus the lap. Insert the tail board into the jig and cut the tails using an appropriate dovetailing router bit. Then, following the jig's instructions, mark and cut the half blind pins in the pin board.
The procedure for cutting half blind dovetails with a dovetail jig system is pretty much the same basic procedure. Mark the depth of cut on the tail board based on the width of the pin board minus the lap.
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. Whether the drawer is housed in a veneered or solid wood case, opening it reveals the pedigree of the piece.
A mortise and tenon is a good choice for every stress but tension. It can be easily pulled apart. In most joints where dovetails are used, one of the major stresses is tension (such as opening drawers).
Secret double-lapped joints are used for box construction and carcass construction to hid the dovetails. Sliding Dovetail Joints The sliding dovetail joint is created by joining 2 wood boards at 90 degree angles, where the they intersect different than other types of dovetail joints.
The secret dovetail, also called a mitered or full-blind dovetail, appears to be one of the most difficult joints to cut successfully. However, I find it a little easier to do than a good through-dovetail. Instead of having to pare (or peen) many parts to perfection, there are only three show surfaces on the secret dovetail: the top and bottom ...
You’ll need two router bits in order to make sliding dovetails. Any dovetail bit will work. I commonly use a 1/2″ 14-degree cutter. The diameter of the dovetail bit needs to be less than the thickness of the drawer sides.
Learn the keys to a quality through dovetail joint. Of all woodworking joints, the through dovetail is one of the strongest and most attractive. Learn the keys to a quality through dovetail joint. Learn the keys to a quality through dovetail joint.