Precisely cut handmade dovetails are a thing of beauty and a mark of true craftsmanship. But achieving a perfect joint only comes from careful attention to the process. One key step is the chopping away of waste wood between the saw kerfs. Typically, this is accomplished with a sharp chisel and skilled hands, but there are tricks to increasing your accuracy.

Master cabinetmaker Craig Vandall Stevens is exacting in how he cuts dovetails — and the results show. He achieves his high level of precision partly by using a simply-made, but carefully thought out, chopping block guide. Made from Hickory, this guide provides an accurate 90 degree vertical reference face for aligning the chisel. You can make this block and learn how to use it in just a few minutes. So why not give Craig’s method a try? (5 Minute Woodworking Video)

Keeping tools sharp is one of the pinnacle skills in almost all woodworking pursuits. Simply put, tool edge sharpness makes working wood easier and more accurate. This video segment reveals the process used by many woodworkers to accurately hone plane and chisel blades to a razor edge. I’ll take you step-by-step through the process including; how to hold a plane blade for maximum control and effectiveness, how to flatten the back of the tool edge, how to hone a micro-bevel, and how to work through different grades of Japanese Waterstones. With just a little practice, you can master the art. (11 Minute Video)