The dovetail is both a decorative mark of fine woodworking and a strong and long-lasting joint. In a through dovetail, both of the pieces go entirely through one another, leaving the joint visible on the outside. Making through dove tails begins with proper pin layout. In this How To, we’re using a couple of tools needed for cutting dovetails, including a marking gauge and a pairing block. You can also use a bevel gauge if you don’t have a pairing block. Watch this Video!
STEP ONE:
Set Your Marking Gauge
Set your marking gauge so that the knife is just barely touching the outside edge of the wood.
STEP TWO:
Score a Line
Using your marking gauge, score a line across the outside face of the board. Flip the board and repeat on the inside face, at the same end.
STEP THREE:
Clip the Edges
Use the marking gauge to finish your line across the edges.
STEP FOUR:
Begin Marking the Pins
With the board secured in a vice, use a ruler and pencil to start marking your pins. In this instance, the first mark is made 1/2 inch from the outside edge on both ends of the board.
