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Senior Editor Glen D.
Huey and I cut dovetails in completely different ways. But we entirely
agree on one point: People make the joint a lot more difficult than
necessary.
There is a time for great accuracy (when making
drawers), for pure structure (when the joint will be concealed by
moulding), and for speed (steady progress is always nice). There is a
time when hand-cutting is best (when you want a high-class look), and a
time to break out the band saw and jigsaw to get you over the finish
line.
The problem is, nobody talks about the joint this way.
Either you’re a power-tool guy with a nice Leigh jig or a
knuckle-dragging Neanderthal.
On Dec. 4-5, 2010, we’re opening
our shop for 10 students (oops, I was just told there are only seven
positions open as of now) to study dovetails with a guy who has cut more
of them than most people on the planet. As a professional, Glen
dovetailed everything. As an editor, he still dovetails everything.
We’ll
be videotaping the class to produce a DVD in early 2011 on this topic
(so don’t sign up if you are in the Witness Protection Program, OK?). We
combined a DVD shoot with a class earlier this year to make the “Build a Sawbench” DVD with great success.
As
part of the class, you’ll build a dovetailed and lidded box with a nice
bracket base. And you’ll get to hone your skills on through- and
half-blind dovetails. Pastries, coffee and lunch are included in the
cost of the class – $250 plus a $45 materials fee. Plus we arrange an
optional dinner on Saturday night for everyone to go out, have a nice meal
and talk woodworking.
Glen is a great teacher. I can say that
because we all learn stuff from one another in the shop. If you have
that weekend free, I think you will find the two days will fundamentally
change the way you think about and make this joint.
For details on the class or to register, click here.
— Christopher Schwarz
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I’ve never been able to quite grasp the leaving of the layout marks on dovetails. Are they meant to show it as hand cut or are the witness lines left as a decoration?
It appears from the photo that they’ve only been partially removed on the lower base?
Maybe enough content in there to devote to a whole class. Whether or whether not to leave the layout marks.
Where can I get the plans for the box?
Nice looking box. I’ll have to make one of those after I do the schoolbox from the "joiner and cabinetmaker" book.