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DOVETAIL JOINTS | |
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PDF FILE - THROUGH DOVETAIL JOINTS - BOX LEARNING EXERCISE | |
PDF FILE - LAPPED DOVETAIL JOINTS - BOX LEARNING EXERCISE | |
The ‘DOVETAIL JOINT’ is very strong because of the way the ‘tails’ and ‘pins’ are shaped. This makes it difficult to pull the joint apart and virtually impossible when glue is added. This type of joint is used in box constructions such as draws, jewellery boxes, cabinets and other pieces of furniture where strength is required. It is a difficult joint which requires practice. There are different types of dovetail joint and when cut accurately they are very impressive and attractive. |
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THROUGH DOVETAIL JOINT - EXPLODED VIEW | |
The angle / incline of the tail (of a dovetail), should be 1:8 for hardwood and 1:6 form softwood. Dovetails are spaced out in regular measurements. |
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THROUGH DOVETAIL JOINT - ASSEMBLED VIEW | |
To make this easy, a dovetail template (sometimes called a dovetail stencil) can be used, when marking out this joint. Examples are shown below. |
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EXAMPLE OF A SIMPLE DOVETAIL JOINT AS PART OF A 'BOX' CONSTRUCTION |
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The Lapped Dovetail Joint This type of dovetail joint is often used for drawers where the joint can only be seen from one side. The joint is very strong as are all dovetail joints. This type of joint is sometimes used as the joint for book cases and cabinets. |
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EXPLODED VIEW | |
ASSEMBLED VIEW | |
PDF FILE - CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE VERSION OF EXERCISE SHOWN BELOW |
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Draw a joint that could be used for a cabinet. The joint must be permanent. | |
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