CLICK HERE FOR INDEX PAGE
 
DOVETAIL JOINTS
V. Ryan © 2002 - 2022
 
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.

 

 
 
 
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.

 
 
 
 
 
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.
 
 

EXAMPLE OF A SIMPLE DOVETAIL JOINT AS PART OF A 'BOX' CONSTRUCTION

   
 
   

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.

 
   

   
EXPLODED VIEW
 
 
ASSEMBLED VIEW
 
 
 
   

PDF FILE - CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE VERSION OF EXERCISE SHOWN BELOW

 
   
Draw a joint that could be used for a cabinet. The joint must be permanent.
 
 

CLICK HERE FOR RESISTANT MATERIALS INDEX PAGE

   
 
Google
 
Web www.technologystudent.com