In this article we explain in thorough detail and show how to mark out and cut by hand a through dovetail joint.
A through dovetail, or plain dovetail, is one of the most common woodworking joints for box or drawer construction, as it offers strength, but is also decorative.
It features interlocking fan shaped fingers that slot together to form a 90 degree corner. There are many variations on this joint including a half lap dovetail and half blind dovetail.
How to cut a through dovetail
Join Sean Evelegh in our Woodworking Wisdom demonstration, as he guides you through the steps required for cutting this particular joint by hand.
How to mark out and cut by hand
Read our series of articles below with step by step guide on how to mark out and cut your dovetails accurately.
For some strange reason, woodworkers appear to think that the common or garden through dovetail joint is the high point in their woodworking endeavours. Cut a few so they fit well, look presentable and many...
A simple and swift method to lay out the tails for a through dovetail joint.
Having marked out your through dovetail joint, learn how to cut the tails with this easy to follow guide.
When making a dovetail, learn how to mark the pins accurately from the tails using a Robert Ingham style transfer jig and some G clamps.
Learn how to cut the pins on a through dovetail joint and then assemble it.
Other woodworking joints
Read our other articles to learn how to make a range of furniture and cabinet joints and perfect your joinery skills.
The corner half lap is a simple woodworking joint to achieve and provides good strength though glue application. A great choice for household furniture and frames, it is a good starting point for those looking...
A box joint, as the names suggests, is often the go to choice of joint for woodworkers making boxes, cabinets or drawers. The joint is made by creating interlocking pins or 'fingers' that slot together...
A halving joint is a useful woodworking joint best suited to frameworks. This joint joins two pieces of timber by cutting the full width of each part by half the depth and then overlapping. It’s...
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