Hand Cut Dovetail Drawer Box
Instructor: Steve Poland
Class Assistants: Bob Mack and Marty Lawrence
Prerequisites: Intro to Guild Safety
Recommended (but not required): Intro to Hand cut Dovetails, Getting Started and Core Tools.
Please note the time change on December 9th.
The participants will learn the basics of hand cutting dovetails for a drawer that will fit into a simple plywood box.
The primary goal is for students to master layout, cutting, and fitting of the through and half-blind dovetail joint.
The student will leave with many embarrassing initial attempts, a final drawer box that you can show off, and the knowledge and confidence to incorporate hand-cut dovetail joinery in any number of future projects.
In this class we will:
1) Discuss various design & execution options for dovetail joints.
2) Discuss drawer fitting to an opening.
3) Construct a simple plywood receiver box in which to fit the drawer.
4) Measure the inside of the box to determine the drawer part initial cutting dimensions.
5) Use dovetail saw, pull saw, chisels, and poplar practice stock to cut through and half-blind practice boxes (several of these will help train your eye and muscle memory to work accurately).
6) Cut the groove in the drawer parts and fit a simple plywood drawer bottom.
7) Learn gap filling techniques.
8) Complete fitting of drawer to receiver for piston fit using hand planes.
9) Execute a final drawer with hardwood.
10) Create limit stops for open and closed positions.
The Guild will supply pre-cut drawer front, back & side poplar practice stock, plywood box and drawer bottom stock, and decorative hardwood blanks for the final drawer front.
Students will also use these hand tools (bring your own if available):
- 6” rule & tape measure
-Tri-square
- Fine Mechanical Pencil
- Marking Knife
- Edge Marking Gage
- Card Scraper
- Block plane
- Smoothing plane (optional)
- Japanese rip/crosscut saws (or Ryoba)
- Western dovetail/carcass saw
Check out the Guild Scholarship Program to see if you qualify for the various scholarship we offer.
The guild promotes and encourages all members to act responsibly in matters of health and safety by adhering to the following measures:
- Staying Home When Sick: Members are urged to prioritize their health and the health of others by refraining from attending guild events, workshops, or gatherings when experiencing symptoms of a contagious illness, especially those associated with COVID-19.
- Follow CDC guidelines: If you have tested positive for COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you are expected to follow the current CDC guidelines.
Class Cancellation Policy
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