Dovetail Essentials: Mastering What Matters with Frank Strazza

In this two-day workshop, you will uncover the critical elements that make or break a perfect dovetail while learning to separate essential techniques from common misconceptions. We ’ll begin with an overview of sharpening, followed by sawing practice to develop proper tool handling and usage.

The workshop will cover through dovetails, tapered sliding dovetails, and half-blind dovetails, with needlepoint dovetails added as the techniques progress. Frank will also demonstrate houndstooth dovetails, showing how these skills build upon each other. Along the way, you will discover which tools are essential, how to use them effectively, and the advantages and limitations of various approaches.

This workshop is open to all skill levels. Beginners may not progress as well as others with some experience.

What you will learn in this workshop:

•              The fundamentals of sharpening for precise, clean cuts

•              Proper sawing techniques, including tool hold and usage

•              How to cut through dovetails with accuracy and confidence

•              Techniques for tapered sliding dovetails

•              Cutting half-blind dovetails for drawer construction

•              The intricate methods behind needlepoint and houndstooth dovetails

•              Tool selection: which tools matter most and how to use them effectively

•              Strategies for reducing stress by focusing on what truly matters in joinery

Join us to focus on what truly matters in dovetail joinery and leave unnecessary stress behind while building precision and confidence in your work.

About Frank Strazza:

Frank Strazza is a traditional fine furniture maker, with over 30 years experience, based in Central Texas.  He began woodworking at age 11. After completing high school, Frank served a traditional apprenticeship and journymanship, including studying with Paul Sellers for several years. 

Frank ’s work has been featured in both local and national publications. He also participated in building furniture for the permanent collection at the White House, in Washington D.C. His work has won top awards in nationally recognized furniture shows across the country including, Best of Show, 1st and 2nd place, People’s Choice, Best Traditional Furniture and more.

Frank has taught and lectured at many different venues across the country, including Colonial Williamsburg, Center for Furniture Craftsmanship, Marc Adams School of Woodworking, Florida School of Woodworking and more. Frank continues to teach, passing along the traditional craft of hand tool woodworking.

His interests include: Windsor chair making, inlay, violin making, and marquetry. When not in the shop, Frank can be found cycling for miles around the Texas Hill Country or playing the mandolin and cello with the symphony and a local Americana band.