Great videos. Thank you for the clear explanation.

Keith,

This is an enjoyable series with Craig Vandall Stevens.

Even though I typically cut tails first, Craig’s methods are great to see. I like his tip about leaving a foot for support when chopping away the waste on the second side of the joint.

I also find that the Japanese tools (dovetail saw and marking gauge) are easier for me to use. I’m going to have to look at some Japanese chisels to round out my collection!

Great work on the videos!

–Mark (thecraftsmanspath.com)

Thanks for your comment on my blog Keith. These videos are perfect and just what I was after. Will definitely use this technique on my next project. Thanks for sharing it. (carljoseph.com.au)

Interesting that Craig chops the waste on the tail section with his chisels, whereas most people say to just saw the waste off. I suppose this way is more accurate, albeit more time-consuming.

Will definitely try this technique on my next set of dovetails!

I can see how someone might think this is more time consuming, but I can also see how it would be enjoyable as you’re working closely with the wood.

I must admit I used to be all about efficiency, but after I salvaged a rusty Stanley hand plane and cleaned it up, I’ve appreciated taking a breather and slowing my pace and enjoying the process of woodworking just as much (or more) than the finished product.

Craig definitely reinforces this with the video and educates while showing the dovetail process in a clear, articulate manner. Thanks for making this video available Keith!

Good Video! I have a dovetail jig and can not find how to use it properly to make drawer ends. Can you help me? Thanks

Keith’s Note: There are a number of different types of jigs that are available. Each type has a different method of use. If you know the brand name, search online for instructions for that particular model. Best of luck. Just a side thought — router made dovetailing is a subject for a future video. Stay current on all my new video releases by subscribing to my email or rss feed updates. Thanks for watching.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Terry

Keith’s Note: Yes. Our hats off to Craig. He’s a fantastic mentor.

Excellent explanation. Will be very helpful for my next project.

Not just this one video on dovetails (the first and only ones I’ve seen so far), but the entire site has a feel to it which makes me wonder: how long for free and why is it such a well kept secret? The quality is superb, and the speed is in keeping with the quality. I look forward to coming back and viewing/learning much much more! Regards, Chris D, – near Montreal Canada

Just viewed my first video.I enjoyed it. I will watch as many as i can. Thank you for this web site. It will help me learn more about wood working.

Just watched this video and picked up on a detail I’ve been struggling with but couldn’t figure out how to fix it. Good stuff. Thanks.

Just when you think you have watched every woodworking video online, you luck out and find a gem like Woodtreks.com.
The resolution is the best there is. The videos are right to the point and not a second is wasted.
I will be watching every single video you have to offer.
This is where I say THANKS.
Scott Slinkard

I’m sure this will be very useful. I have a month to make a box for my girl. For her to put things in that is. A gift for a gift. Thanks a lot.

My first visit to WoodTreks. I shall return.

A wonderful production. Enjoyed a couple of videos. Thank you.

TfB

Very good demo. As a first time hand cutter of dovetails, the video is a great help. The advise of undercutting is great. I think my joints will improve.

I can’t seem to get any of your videos. What am I doing wrong?

Keith’s Note: Please refer to my troubleshooting page at: http://woodtreks.com/issues/60/ – I hope this helps.

Good Demo. Very helpful and clear.

Great video, I am not as fearful of dovetails now. Thanks a lot.

This a very helpful video series for making hand cut dovetails. Thanks for sharing. This is by far the best video that I’ve seen dealing with this topic.

Wow! That was my impression when I finished my first dovetails and the pieces fit together nice and snug. I figured that it would take quite a bit of practice before I could make my joints fit the way Craig’s fit together. This was an excellent video. Very well filmed.

I enjoyed all of Craig’s videos. The videos show how he has a connection with the wood and the tools he uses. It is what I am trying to achieve.

Thanks Keith. Your videos are an inspiration in making this hobby I am learning more enjoyable.

I enjoyed the hand cut dovetail video.

Excellent videos – Part I & II Dovetailing. I will give (Craig’s) method a try this weekend.

Thanks

Great video – It took me back to my school days and making dovetails for the first time. I was wondering if it is OK to use a metal hammer with chisels. I was always taught to use a woden mallet?

Keith’s Note: In a pinch you can use a metal hammer, but the face of the hammer is usually too small for easy use, and if your chisel handles are wood, you will likely damage/splinter the the handle wood. It would be best to locate a proper mallet if you can.