I've worked as a tradesman all my adult life; carpenter, millwright, machinist. I have always enjoyed watching someone who has mastered his craft. I got a great deal of satisfaction watching David at work. No wasted motion, expert technique. Congrats. Very impressive.
Watching anyone who has Mastered his/her craft is a great pleasure. Thank you, David. I used your methods and tools to make gift boxes for my Sons. Godspeed! Steve
I have fallen out of woodworking for a while due to a lack of a shop and have decided to learn proper hand tool technique instead of relying on bulky power tools. Your video was very helpful in this endeavor thank you
Hi, it takes a great deal of practice to learn to cut dead square and straight. I've had a lot of practice in the past but still hadn't properly mastered it, now I use the jig I probably never will! It is not just the accuracy but also the speed, very important if you want to make money. The chisels are by Barr Quarton, the saw is by Gyochochu, the fret saw is by Knew Concepts and all the other tools are made by me. All the best, David.
That's the first time I've ever seen good quality tools that actually make a big difference in the build process. Pretty amazing how well they work when someone has good technique
Thank you for saying what many have discovered only after much frustration. The many videos out there by masters of dovetails do not provide the level of detail needed for someone trying to learn the craft. Your videos are truly helpful. The pace is just right, your descriptions are clear and the quality of the video is high. You cover what other masters skim over and this is exactly what I needed to get over the initial hump in the learning curve.
I bought that dovetail guide and my instructor was really not happy about that. He said it'll serve as a crutch more than anything. I'm just starting out so I thought it might help me make straighter cuts. And, it did help but the second I went back to freehand I was all over the place so I guess he has a point. I love these videos for the relaxed elegance. Bravo David Barron!
I'm a total novice at woodworking, but after watching Davids videos, I went to his web sight and ordered the saw and guide. And they perform exactly as he shows in his videos. You DO have to have good layout technique which I don't have, but the saw and guide cut perfectly straight wherever you place them.
Silent- Hill You've summed that up perfectly! The guide will give you perfectly square, straight cuts at the same angle every time, but you still need to mark properly and learn where to place the saw for cutting the pins. Once you've grasped this, you'll be away! All the best, David.
David, this is by far the best explanation for cutting dovetails. Thank you for posting this video. For me it has taken out the mystic of cutting dovetails. All of my joints are coming out clean and tight, with no gaps. Thank you.
I just got a 1:7 dovetail guide through Highland Woodworking, and have been using it with a Western style saw, works great! The guide ensures that my cuts are dead square & plumb every time. And if the guide is placed properly when cutting the pins, the joint fits perfectly. Wonderful tool ... thanks David.
The hammer is a great little tool, it nestles in the palm of your hand and packs a great punch! It also doesn't roll off the bench. All the best, David.
Thank you David, for a kindly response! I'm not sure I will change careers as such, it's more that my new house has the potential for somewhat of a workshop and I have always been reluctant to buy furniture over the years (a hidden dream of making my own!) After watching various vid's, I find your approach the easiest to follow by far and I am inspired! Our American brothers etc are also very skilled but tend to cram too much info in. Thanks again. Regards, KC
Hi David, Thank you, I hope you have a good holiday and enjoy using the guide when you return. The video is always there as a reminder of the process. The hardest part is learning where to cut in relation to the knife line, but a bit of practice will soon get you there. All the best, David.
"So we're gonna have one at one end, one at the other, and we're gonna have one somewhere in the middle. And that's the marking done." Delightfully casual presentation and technique, and fantastic result. On my way to your website to pick up your guides. Thank you for sharing your skills with all of us!
Hi David Bought one of your dovetail guides yesterday at the show. I was impressed with your happy and help full attitude, along with your presentation. I have always been intimidated by the thought of doing dovetails by hand, but am now looking forward to having a go.If you remember I relieved you of your demonstration piece, it is now sitting in my workshop as a reminder of how it should be done.Of on holidat for a week tomorrow but will be having a go when I get back. David .
Hi David. Just like to say how Helpfull the techniques shown in this video are. I am returning to cabinet making after a spell of working as a joiner. I studied as a cabinet maker but am quite rusty on the hand skill side of things and the first few sets of tails I tried left a lot to be desired!! I think the technique of cutting the shoulders the way you do is brilliant, when I first saw you do it I was a bit sceptical, but with a little practice it's so fast and accurate. Many thanks:)
That's great I'm glad you have found the video helpful. The shoulder method is a great time saver and the skill of 'seeing' 90 degrees also transfers to other chisel work. All the best, David.
I have watched many videos of this now, many other "Masters" and "Experts" at work, this man used less effort and provided better results, that comes from real skill. Well done and thanks for sharing.
Hi Alan, The saw I'm using is the Gyokucho 372 and the chisels are made by Barr Quarton, very nice but expensive. Ashley Iles make very nice dovetail chisels for a lot less, go for the mark 2. All the best, David.
Ok, so maybe I've done a few before! The guide really helps make dovetails quicker and more accurate but of course with a bit of practice. All the best, David.
Just received your package. I am practicing now 20 min. and I can say: "It really works"! :))) Thank you for sending the Items so fast. Best wishes Mike.
Hi, The hammer I'm using is one I made made myself. The head is 32mm (1/ 1.4" diameter) which I think is the Glen Drake no 3. It's just the right size and weight for dovetailing. All the best, David.
hello. love the videos. I do furniture making for 3 years now at college. within them 3 years my dovetails do not look as good as i would like them to be but now that i seen you use a guide i cut a practice one and it looks alot better just looking at how i can make the magnet 1:7 guide. keep the videos coming. thanks
I'm pleased the video has been helpful, there is a place for both hand and machine tools in woodworking, it's hard to do it well with just one or the other. All the best, David.
As a very novice DIYer/carpenter thanks for the video, me and my fiance have just bought a new home and after scouring the internet for a decent desk for me to work at I'm now planning on building my own using dovetails for the drawers. You've also given me some ideas on what tools to buy (such as the fine saw) Subscribed =)
Hi, keep at it your dovetails will improve. The undercutting of the end grain helps avoid gaps and doesn't reduce the joints strength as the end grain has no glue strength. All the best, David.
This is a great presentation thanks David, I have bought some of your guides and will be having a go with them today! I've seen Paul Sellers comment that: "It’s not the best way, using a coping saw or a fret saw, but it can speed up the operation if you are in a hurry or making a beehive. On finer joinery it’s not really accepted." ...but the results here seem immaculate to me so I'm not sure what the problem is with that really? This seems much quicker to me than chiselling out all of the waste bit by bit? I wondered what you thought about that.
Thank you for a respectful reply David. I usually chop my pin waste rather than use a coping saw because I am more accurate that way. You obviously can do it with a coping saw as a many a man can. I never could.
You have to understand where Paul Sellers is coming from. Like David said, he is a traditional woodworker. Now I have seen him use a coping saw without ever having to chop the waste and his dovetails fit perfect. He is still fast at it even when he chisels. To each his own, which I'm sure he'd agree, but in totality by hand is the accepted traditional method.
In answer to the recent questions, I used to weight train when I was younger and I guess the physical side to woodworking helps keep some of that strength. All the best, David.
Thank you so much for this video. I just had my first attempt at hand cut dovetails and it was a disaster. I built a dovetail template, but the magnet is sheer genius and I'm sure I'll do better once I add that. I was also using a cheap saw from Ace hardware. The dozuki looks like it will help me. As I looked at the horrendous gaps at the bottom of my dovetails, I wondered if there might not be a better result with some undercutting, if that was some sort of trade secret, looks like it is.
Very timely video for me. I have always admired perfect dovetails and tried many times to get them just right with the use of hand tools. I gave up on this method and bought a top-of-the range jig. Very disappointing for me. I'm not condemning them it's just they don't work for me so I want to get back to trying to make beautiful dovetails with hand tools. So David your video is much appreciated. If possible could you identify by name the saws and chisels you are using? Many thanks
Considering the incredibly practical method you employ on standard dovetails I'd be really interested in a tapered dovetail application. Or indeed your thoughts on making the process more straightforward.
Hardwoods are best. If you have one which is hard (hard maple, it holds it's shape crisply) and the other which is softer (walnut which gives a little), this is an ideal combination. They also give a nice contrast to the finished joint. All the best, David.
"And there we go, easy" If I could reach you I would hurt you LOL! I knew subscribing to your channel would be worthwhile. Liking that dovetail guide a lot. Nice one! Love those Japanese saws too. A cabinet maker mate of mine here in France converted me onto the small Dozuki saw. I couldn't believe I'd been a carpenter joiner for 30+ years and not known about these beauties! I have nothing but praise for them.
Thank you for sharing, I'm trying to make a carry case for my 1/14th scale RC Trucks today, very informative,and will do the best I can with the tools at my disposal. Beautiful joinery there, I don't live to far from you, near Andover.
could you possibly make a video showing how to pursue making fine furniture or wood crafts for a living? Do you sell to wholesalers? Do you sell ready made or custom to order and if its to order how to make a customer base? I love your videos man you are great. I've been making cabinets and boxes and chairs etc and i've sold many to people that visit or friends of family etc. They all say they love the quality. I am a computer programmer that would love to have a career making tangible items that can be passed down etc, but i don't see how one goes about the leap and maybe your story with no specifics of course could help fellow woodworkers with a dream achieve that dream.
I'm not sure I could do a video on this. Rather than view it as a leap, try to ease into it, see where it takes you. I'm a member of strong local crafts guild who hold 10 shows a year. I have work in a couple of local wood galleries, I make and sell tools, I teach, I write magazine articles and I exhibit in a couple of national furniture show each year. Out of all of these the tools have come through the strongest (for now) and I'm happy.
Beautiful dovetails! You make it look easy, but I have to believe you are very precise with your saw cuts - no trimming needed whatsoever and the joints fit just right! Where did you get that little magnetic guide? Looks very handy for the unhandy.
That was an amazing video. Thanks. How much harder is it to accomplish without the magnetic guides? Would you mind spelling out the names of the brands and tools you used? Thanks
I enjoyed watching your show and it impressed me but what impressed me the most is you make your own tools. Do you have shows showing how to make the tools by anychance.
I guess Practice makes it easy (lots of practice), any way great video. There are two expressions that go together: "Nothing is easy like it looks and it always takes longer than you think". I learned these lessons well. Cheers.
Congratulations! I'm somebody who loves the art of working with wood! (There's something magic about it!). I NEVER did anything with it! Never been in touch with this 'world' I admire so much! This year (2014) I decided to start entering it! As a (very) beginner, what would you suggest me to begin with?
I admire your enthusiasm! I would start with learning how to sharpen and tune some chisels and planes. If you could find a local instructor that would be a great help.
David, this was really informative. Of course practice at sawing and marking will be essential. My problem is, I never discovered the joy of making things until my 15 year old son asked me to help. We live near Southampton but struggle to find any courses that will put us on the right track. Do you know of any?
Gary Sandy Hi Gary, Sorry for the delay in replying, I don't know of anywhere in this area. I teach twice a year at West Dean College near Chichester and Chichester College has a very good furniture making dept. The other place is the Boat Building college at Lyme Regis but that's even further. All the best, David.
Hi David, I love the video, gave me a great starting point for my own work, I also love the chisels you are working with there but cant find them on your website and sadly cannot make out the name when you say it in the video, any chance for a link to where I could buy a set?
Hi David, great video and great skill! The dovetail guide is a fantastic bit of kit, i must order one from classic hand tools for Christmas. Do you have any tips on dovetailing purple heart?? It's causing me sleepless nights, its a nightmare..! Your input would be greatly received! Warm regards, Matthew
Amazing work. I'm doing first year in my Wood Occupations course (Carpentry/Joinery) at my college. This what you've done in 8min would of taken me 30 at least and it would be no where near this quality! How long have you been in the trade? Cheers.
Thank you very much for showing us how to make dovetails and you made it easy and I am sure it isn't for me, I have one question please: after approximately how many dovetails you made then it becomes simple to make?
After a practice joint with the guide you should be getting a good fitting dovetail straight from the saw. I've cut 15-20,000 dovetails in my time so you have a bit of catching up to do! All the best, David.
David - I recently purchased the 1:6 guide and am pleased with my first attempts. I must practice some more though. My chisels are not up to snuff though. What chisels are you using? I cannot quite understand when you identify them on the video. Thank you.
From a carpenter to a joiner, I can't hold a candle to you mate (yet)! Having been a site chippie most of my career, I am currently setting up to make furniture for myself (and maybe more?). It's been a long time since I used a knife for marking, what is the one you use here please and how would it compare to the Japanese ones on the market presently please? They seem a bit fat to me. Thanks, KC
Hi Aled, Thanks! The saw I use is made by Gyochocho and it has a universal blade which is a combination of both cross and rip cut teeth. It has the speed of a rip with the fineness of the cross teeth, a suberb saw. I sell them on my website or you can get them from Dictum in Germany. All the best, David.
Hi David. Just bought your guide. Looking forward to having a go at my first dove tails. One question I have, on many pictures I see of finished dovetails the marking lines indicating the board thickness remain. Should more sanding or planing take place to remove these score lines?
I enjoy your very informative videos, blog..and really like my new 1:6 Barron's dovetail guide from Highland Woodworking. My question is, when cutting the pin board, do you line the guide up so the saw is on the waste side or do you cut down the line?
+Stephen It don't matter I am also using the kit from Highland. I line it up on the waste side, just outside the line. I like to create a knife wall with my chisel on the waste side before sawing the pins. Makes it a lot easier to set the saw in a very small channel and know it's right where it needs to be, as I have a lot of trouble seeing the knife line in light colored woods like pine.
I just watched multiple power-tool dovetail vids - and this beats the fancy toys for 'simple and easy' in my opinion. I've managed butt joints so far, and this vid is the first one that makes me think I can manage to successfully make dovetails! I'm now one very excited newbie. What's the name of the magnetic block thing, and can I buy one with the right angles in a shop or would I need to make it?
Hi David, great video! Which saw do you use, I've done a fair bit of googling, but can't quite work out which it is, and if it's rip/crosscut etc. Thanks in advance Aled
Hello David, learned so much from you. I was wondering what the names of the periodicals the U.K. are. Are they available in the U.S.? I want to see some of the methods and finished products the U.K. has to offer. Thanks Steve K
Stephen Kanowsky Hi Steve, Furniture and Cabinetmaking is the best one, they sell more of these in the US than the UK, so call into your local Barnes and Noble. I can also recommend Australian Wood review, only 4 issues a year but well worth getting.. All the best, David.
+Greg Teagle Hi Greg, I like to go for an odd number ie a pin in the middle, I think this looks best. How many is down to the size and scale of the piece. All the best, David.
Hi David A great video with really good explanations. Can I ask which of your saws you use (dovetail coping saw ones). Do you have to use a swivel one or not ? Can you tell me which of your guides you are using in this demo. Can I order online or do I need to phone. Thanks Geoff
I use the 372 saw and the 8" non swivel saw, it gives good registration for horizontal. I use the 1:6 guide for all my work. If you e mail me with your requirements I can give you a price with shipping. All the best, David.
Very nice video, extremely satisfying to watch how seamless the pieces of wood snug into place, I wish I could do that, but unfortunately I have two left hands :D
Great video though, very informative. Nice tools as well, that brass chisel hammer is really nice. What tools do you make? Also what if my boards are really long? I’m dovetailing a top on a bookshelf and I can’t stand the boards on end.
I've worked as a tradesman all my adult life; carpenter, millwright, machinist. I have always enjoyed watching someone who has mastered his craft. I got a great deal of satisfaction watching David at work. No wasted motion, expert technique. Congrats. Very impressive.
I've watched this twice now. Every motion has purpose. There is great casual precision in this video.
+Dennis Jordan I'm glad you like it and I hope it was helpful to you. All the best, David.
Dennis Jordan why don't you watch it two more times, you might come up with an even deeper psycho/philosophical conclusion??
Watching anyone who has Mastered his/her craft is a great pleasure. Thank you, David. I used your methods and tools to make gift boxes for my Sons. Godspeed! Steve
I have fallen out of woodworking for a while due to a lack of a shop and have decided to learn proper hand tool technique instead of relying on bulky power tools. Your video was very helpful in this endeavor thank you
Hi, it takes a great deal of practice to learn to cut dead square and straight. I've had a lot of practice in the past but still hadn't properly mastered it, now I use the jig I probably never will! It is not just the accuracy but also the speed, very important if you want to make money. The chisels are by Barr Quarton, the saw is by Gyochochu, the fret saw is by Knew Concepts and all the other tools are made by me.
All the best, David.
That's the first time I've ever seen good quality tools that actually make a big difference in the build process. Pretty amazing how well they work when someone has good technique
Thank you for saying what many have discovered only after much frustration. The many videos out there by masters of dovetails do not provide the level of detail needed for someone trying to learn the craft. Your videos are truly helpful. The pace is just right, your descriptions are clear and the quality of the video is high. You cover what other masters skim over and this is exactly what I needed to get over the initial hump in the learning curve.
I bought that dovetail guide and my instructor was really not happy about that. He said it'll serve as a crutch more than anything. I'm just starting out so I thought it might help me make straighter cuts. And, it did help but the second I went back to freehand I was all over the place so I guess he has a point. I love these videos for the relaxed elegance. Bravo David Barron!
I'm a total novice at woodworking, but after watching Davids videos, I went to his web sight and ordered the saw and guide. And they perform exactly as he shows in his videos. You DO have to have good layout technique which I don't have, but the saw and guide cut perfectly straight wherever you place them.
Silent- Hill You've summed that up perfectly! The guide will give you perfectly square, straight cuts at the same angle every time, but you still need to mark properly and learn where to place the saw for cutting the pins. Once you've grasped this, you'll be away! All the best, David.
David, this is by far the best explanation for cutting dovetails. Thank you for posting this video. For me it has taken out the mystic of cutting dovetails. All of my joints are coming out clean and tight, with no gaps. Thank you.
Hi Brice, I'm very pleased it has been helpful to you. All the best, David.
I just got a 1:7 dovetail guide through Highland Woodworking, and have been using it with a Western style saw, works great! The guide ensures that my cuts are dead square & plumb every time. And if the guide is placed properly when cutting the pins, the joint fits perfectly. Wonderful tool ... thanks David.
I'm very pleased it's inspired you, every major task is just a lot of little easier ones put together. All the best, David.
The hammer is a great little tool, it nestles in the palm of your hand and packs a great punch! It also doesn't roll off the bench. All the best, David.
Thank you David, for a kindly response! I'm not sure I will change careers as such, it's more that my new house has the potential for somewhat of a workshop and I have always been reluctant to buy furniture over the years (a hidden dream of making my own!) After watching various vid's, I find your approach the easiest to follow by far and I am inspired! Our American brothers etc are also very skilled but tend to cram too much info in. Thanks again. Regards, KC
Hi David, Thank you, I hope you have a good holiday and enjoy using the guide when you return. The video is always there as a reminder of the process. The hardest part is learning where to cut in relation to the knife line, but a bit of practice will soon get you there.
All the best, David.
"So we're gonna have one at one end, one at the other, and we're gonna have one somewhere in the middle. And that's the marking done."
Delightfully casual presentation and technique, and fantastic result. On my way to your website to pick up your guides.
Thank you for sharing your skills with all of us!
Thank you and good luck with your dovetails! All the best, David.
Hi David
Bought one of your dovetail guides yesterday at the show. I was impressed with your happy and help full attitude, along with your presentation. I have always been intimidated by the thought of doing dovetails by hand, but am now looking forward to having a go.If you remember I relieved you of your demonstration piece, it is now sitting in my workshop as a reminder of how it should be done.Of on holidat for a week tomorrow but will be having a go when I get back.
David
.
Hi David. Just like to say how Helpfull the techniques shown in this video are. I am returning to cabinet making after a spell of working as a joiner. I studied as a cabinet maker but am quite rusty on the hand skill side of things and the first few sets of tails I tried left a lot to be desired!! I think the technique of cutting the shoulders the way you do is brilliant, when I first saw you do it I was a bit sceptical, but with a little practice it's so fast and accurate. Many thanks:)
That's great I'm glad you have found the video helpful. The shoulder method is a great time saver and the skill of 'seeing' 90 degrees also transfers to other chisel work. All the best, David.
I have watched many videos of this now, many other "Masters" and "Experts" at work, this man used less effort and provided better results, that comes from real skill. Well done and thanks for sharing.
+CJ Sweden Thank you!
Simple but so beautiful. Watching this video is like relaxing by the water. Thanks!
+E Mach Thank you!
I am actually watching this by the river. :)
Hi Alan, The saw I'm using is the Gyokucho 372 and the chisels are made by Barr Quarton, very nice but expensive. Ashley Iles make very nice dovetail chisels for a lot less, go for the mark 2. All the best, David.
the simplicity he uses is relaxing, motivationaland builds confidence. thank you
Ok, so maybe I've done a few before! The guide really helps make dovetails quicker and more accurate but of course with a bit of practice. All the best, David.
Just received your package. I am practicing now 20 min. and I can say: "It really works"! :))) Thank you for sending the Items so fast. Best wishes Mike.
No problem, happy dovetailing!
Hi, The hammer I'm using is one I made made myself. The head is 32mm (1/ 1.4" diameter) which I think is the Glen Drake no 3. It's just the right size and weight for dovetailing. All the best, David.
beautiful work. you made look easy. I am a novice woodworker.
I love the fact that you tell us what tools you are using.
thank you so much.
hello. love the videos. I do furniture making for 3 years now at college. within them 3 years my dovetails do not look as good as i would like them to be but now that i seen you use a guide i cut a practice one and it looks alot better just looking at how i can make the magnet 1:7 guide. keep the videos coming. thanks
I'm pleased the video has been helpful, there is a place for both hand and machine tools in woodworking, it's hard to do it well with just one or the other.
All the best, David.
As a very novice DIYer/carpenter thanks for the video, me and my fiance have just bought a new home and after scouring the internet for a decent desk for me to work at I'm now planning on building my own using dovetails for the drawers. You've also given me some ideas on what tools to buy (such as the fine saw) Subscribed =)
Hi, I cut my first dovetail 14 years ago and I've done a lot in between then and now! All the best, David.
Hi, keep at it your dovetails will improve. The undercutting of the end grain helps avoid gaps and doesn't reduce the joints strength as the end grain has no glue strength. All the best, David.
You're right they are great saws and they stay sharp for so long. All the best, David.
wow. this guy means business. you can tell he's done this thousands of times. subscribed.
You're right there! But it doesn't take that long to grasp the technique.
This is a great presentation thanks David, I have bought some of your guides and will be having a go with them today! I've seen Paul Sellers comment that:
"It’s not the best way, using a coping saw or a fret saw, but it can speed up the operation if you are in a hurry or making a beehive. On finer joinery it’s not really accepted."
...but the results here seem immaculate to me so I'm not sure what the problem is with that really? This seems much quicker to me than chiselling out all of the waste bit by bit? I wondered what you thought about that.
Paul is very traditional in his approach, times change. Good luck with your dovetails!
Thank you for a respectful reply David. I usually chop my pin waste rather than use a coping saw because I am more accurate that way. You obviously can do it with a coping saw as a many a man can. I never could.
You have to understand where Paul Sellers is coming from. Like David said, he is a traditional woodworker. Now I have seen him use a coping saw without ever having to chop the waste and his dovetails fit perfect. He is still fast at it even when he chisels. To each his own, which I'm sure he'd agree, but in totality by hand is the accepted traditional method.
In answer to the recent questions, I used to weight train when I was younger and I guess the physical side to woodworking helps keep some of that strength. All the best, David.
Thank you so much for this video. I just had my first attempt at hand cut dovetails and it was a disaster. I built a dovetail template, but the magnet is sheer genius and I'm sure I'll do better once I add that. I was also using a cheap saw from Ace hardware. The dozuki looks like it will help me. As I looked at the horrendous gaps at the bottom of my dovetails, I wondered if there might not be a better result with some undercutting, if that was some sort of trade secret, looks like it is.
I'm pleased it was helpful. I started out in woodworking in the same way, you never know where this might take you! All the best, David.
Fantastic video, David. I've just purchased the 1:6 and 90° guides and have to say, that is beautiful engineering!
Very timely video for me. I have always admired perfect dovetails and tried many times to get them just right with the use of hand tools. I gave up on this method and bought a top-of-the range jig. Very disappointing for me. I'm not condemning them it's just they don't work for me so I want to get back to trying to make beautiful dovetails with hand tools. So David your video is much appreciated. If possible could you identify by name the saws and chisels you are using? Many thanks
OK, that is nice work. I'm just learning and seeing your skill is really inspirational. Thanks!
Bravo! Watching a Master making things by hand with beautiful tools.
Considering the incredibly practical method you employ on standard dovetails I'd be really interested in a tapered dovetail application. Or indeed your thoughts on making the process more straightforward.
Thanks for posting this! You have an incredibly steady saw control!
Thank you, David. This is the best dovetail tutorial I've seen yet.
I hope it helps you. All the best, David.
Hardwoods are best. If you have one which is hard (hard maple, it holds it's shape crisply) and the other which is softer (walnut which gives a little), this is an ideal combination. They also give a nice contrast to the finished joint. All the best, David.
"And there we go, easy" If I could reach you I would hurt you LOL! I knew subscribing to your channel would be worthwhile. Liking that dovetail guide a lot. Nice one! Love those Japanese saws too. A cabinet maker mate of mine here in France converted me onto the small Dozuki saw. I couldn't believe I'd been a carpenter joiner for 30+ years and not known about these beauties! I have nothing but praise for them.
Thank you for sharing, I'm trying to make a carry case for my 1/14th scale RC Trucks today, very informative,and will do the best I can with the tools at my disposal. Beautiful joinery there, I don't live to far from you, near Andover.
That was great. Hopefully with practice and patience I'll be creating dovetails and nicely and quickly as yours!
could you possibly make a video showing how to pursue making fine furniture or wood crafts for a living? Do you sell to wholesalers? Do you sell ready made or custom to order and if its to order how to make a customer base? I love your videos man you are great. I've been making cabinets and boxes and chairs etc and i've sold many to people that visit or friends of family etc. They all say they love the quality. I am a computer programmer that would love to have a career making tangible items that can be passed down etc, but i don't see how one goes about the leap and maybe your story with no specifics of course could help fellow woodworkers with a dream achieve that dream.
I'm not sure I could do a video on this. Rather than view it as a leap, try to ease into it, see where it takes you. I'm a member of strong local crafts guild who hold 10 shows a year. I have work in a couple of local wood galleries, I make and sell tools, I teach, I write magazine articles and I exhibit in a couple of national furniture show each year. Out of all of these the tools have come through the strongest (for now) and I'm happy.
Just when you think he's done he busts out a planar to smooth out the edges! haha this was really a great video! Thanks for posting!
Wonderful video! Dovetails seemed intimidating until now where David distilled the essence of how one cuts dovetails by hand.
Exceptional!!! What a piece of art!!! I am now a follower, thanks for putting this video out there for others to see, really inspirational!!!
Beautiful dovetails! You make it look easy, but I have to believe you are very precise with your saw cuts - no trimming needed whatsoever and the joints fit just right! Where did you get that little magnetic guide? Looks very handy for the unhandy.
Hi Yes the guide is very handy. If you visit my website david barron furniture I sell them in a selection of angles. All the best, David.
Thanks very much for your comments, I'm glad the video was useful. All the best, David.
That was an amazing video. Thanks. How much harder is it to accomplish without the magnetic guides? Would you mind spelling out the names of the brands and tools you used?
Thanks
I believe my nephew, Toby, enjoys your courses!
That turned out really nice. I'm impressed.
Hi John, The chisels are made by Barr Quarton and are indeed very nice, although not cheap..All the best, David.
I enjoyed watching your show and it impressed me but what impressed me the most is you make your own tools. Do you have shows showing how to make the tools by anychance.
Dave Goff I have it on my list of future videos. I should have some up later this year.
I guess Practice makes it easy (lots of practice), any way great video.
There are two expressions that go together:
"Nothing is easy like it looks and it always takes longer than you think".
I learned these lessons well.
Cheers.
When you finished you gave that grin and said easy I had a bit of a chuckle and Ya sure it is Thank you I am in awe
Congratulations!
I'm somebody who loves the art of working with wood! (There's something magic about it!). I NEVER did anything with it! Never been in touch with this 'world' I admire so much! This year (2014) I decided to start entering it! As a (very) beginner, what would you suggest me to begin with?
I admire your enthusiasm! I would start with learning how to sharpen and tune some chisels and planes. If you could find a local instructor that would be a great help.
David, this was really informative. Of course practice at sawing and marking will be essential. My problem is, I never discovered the joy of making things until my 15 year old son asked me to help. We live near Southampton but struggle to find any courses that will put us on the right track. Do you know of any?
Gary Sandy Hi Gary, Sorry for the delay in replying, I don't know of anywhere in this area. I teach twice a year at West Dean College near Chichester and Chichester College has a very good furniture making dept. The other place is the Boat Building college at Lyme Regis but that's even further. All the best, David.
Thank you. You soon get used to where your fingers need to be, no damage so far! All the best, David
Thanks David, I'll put it on my list, I'm a project and a half away from making a couple of nice dovetailed boxes...
Beautiful work. You make it look so easy.
Thank you!
Hi David, thanks for the encouragement, I kept at it and I HAVE improved. I am going to send you a .jpg file of a corner I just now finished.
Great job on the video. You do great work as well.
Hi David,
I love the video, gave me a great starting point for my own work, I also love the chisels you are working with there but cant find them on your website and sadly cannot make out the name when you say it in the video, any chance for a link to where I could buy a set?
You make it look so easy. Gonna try this way or i'll just stick to a jig and router, also beautiful equipment. Especially the saw brilliant video.
Thank you and good luck!
Hi David, great video and great skill! The dovetail guide is a fantastic bit of kit, i must order one from classic hand tools for Christmas.
Do you have any tips on dovetailing purple heart?? It's causing me sleepless nights, its a nightmare..!
Your input would be greatly received!
Warm regards,
Matthew
Amazing work. I'm doing first year in my Wood Occupations course (Carpentry/Joinery) at my college. This what you've done in 8min would of taken me 30 at least and it would be no where near this quality! How long have you been in the trade? Cheers.
Thank you very much for showing us how to make dovetails and you made it easy and I am sure it isn't for me, I have one question please: after approximately how many dovetails you made then it becomes simple to make?
After a practice joint with the guide you should be getting a good fitting dovetail straight from the saw. I've cut 15-20,000 dovetails in my time so you have a bit of catching up to do! All the best, David.
Thanks a lot for your reply and as you said it needs practice and a lot of it . Keep up the good work .
Methinks you've done this before! Very neat.
Are you happy gluing up with the undercut?
David - I recently purchased the 1:6 guide and am pleased with my first attempts. I must practice some more though. My chisels are not up to snuff though. What chisels are you using? I cannot quite understand when you identify them on the video. Thank you.
+Robert Ziegler Ahhh - just watched the Chisel technique video. Please disregard my inquiry.
Fantastic presentation. Quick and to the point. Well done.
Thank you!
great work and a beautiful workshop.
From a carpenter to a joiner, I can't hold a candle to you mate (yet)! Having been a site chippie most of my career, I am currently setting up to make furniture for myself (and maybe more?). It's been a long time since I used a knife for marking, what is the one you use here please and how would it compare to the Japanese ones on the market presently please? They seem a bit fat to me. Thanks, KC
Hi, I use water stones, 800 grit, and 8,000 grit and sharpen at 30 degrees. All the best, David
Hi Aled, Thanks! The saw I use is made by Gyochocho and it has a universal blade which is a combination of both cross and rip cut teeth. It has the speed of a rip with the fineness of the cross teeth, a suberb saw. I sell them on my website or you can get them from Dictum in Germany. All the best, David.
Very impressive. Good tools and patience.
Hi David. Just bought your guide. Looking forward to having a go at my first dove tails. One question I have, on many pictures I see of finished dovetails the marking lines indicating the board thickness remain. Should more sanding or planing take place to remove these score lines?
Leaving or planning out the gauge lines is a matter of personal preference, I don't mind either way on my work. Good luck! David.
I enjoy your very informative videos, blog..and really like my new 1:6 Barron's dovetail guide from Highland Woodworking. My question is, when cutting the pin board, do you line the guide up so the saw is on the waste side or do you cut down the line?
+Stephen It don't matter
I am also using the kit from Highland. I line it up on the waste side, just outside the line. I like to create a knife wall with my chisel on the waste side before sawing the pins. Makes it a lot easier to set the saw in a very small channel and know it's right where it needs to be, as I have a lot of trouble seeing the knife line in light colored woods like pine.
Great video, made me smile - you really did make it look easy.
wow!... excellent technique, and best looking tools i've seen so far!
great vid! :)
The chisels are by Barr Quarton in the US, not cheap by the time the time you've added shipping and taxes, but very nice!
David, thanks for taking the time to clear up this very serious dispute. ; )
The things people get sidetracked by are laughable. Cheers.
I just watched multiple power-tool dovetail vids - and this beats the fancy toys for 'simple and easy' in my opinion. I've managed butt joints so far, and this vid is the first one that makes me think I can manage to successfully make dovetails! I'm now one very excited newbie.
What's the name of the magnetic block thing, and can I buy one with the right angles in a shop or would I need to make it?
I'm glad you enjoyed the technique. The dovetail guide and 90 degree guide are available to buy on my website davidbarronfurniture.
Enviable skills & beautiful tools. I take my hat off to you.
Alan Gilbert Thank you!
Hi David, great video!
Which saw do you use, I've done a fair bit of googling, but can't quite work out which it is, and if it's rip/crosscut etc.
Thanks in advance
Aled
Lovely work and I love your voice!
David, you make that look so easy...I am terrified at trying my first one...gotta work up and do it!
Yes just do it!
Hello David, learned so much from you. I was wondering what the names of the periodicals the U.K. are. Are they available in the U.S.? I want to see some of the methods and finished products the U.K. has to offer. Thanks Steve K
Stephen Kanowsky Hi Steve, Furniture and Cabinetmaking is the best one, they sell more of these in the US than the UK, so call into your local Barnes and Noble. I can also recommend Australian Wood review, only 4 issues a year but well worth getting.. All the best, David.
Than you for upload. At the end when you said (with a smile) there we go .easy :) I began to sob uncontrollably. Telling my self. I must not give up.
Thank You David. How do you determine how many tails are in a piece? This was a very good video and you have a new subscriber as of now.
Greg
+Greg Teagle Hi Greg, I like to go for an odd number ie a pin in the middle, I think this looks best. How many is down to the size and scale of the piece. All the best, David.
Hi David
A great video with really good explanations. Can I ask which of your saws you use (dovetail coping saw ones). Do you have to use a swivel one or not ? Can you tell me which of your guides you are using in this demo. Can I order online or do I need to phone. Thanks Geoff
I use the 372 saw and the 8" non swivel saw, it gives good registration for horizontal. I use the 1:6 guide for all my work.
If you e mail me with your requirements I can give you a price with shipping. All the best, David.
best dovetail vid I've watched.
Thank you!
Very nice video, extremely satisfying to watch how seamless the pieces of wood snug into place, I wish I could do that, but unfortunately I have two left hands :D
Oliver Schattan Thank you. You may surprise yourself if you have a go. All the best, David.
Great video though, very informative. Nice tools as well, that brass chisel hammer is really nice. What tools do you make? Also what if my boards are really long? I’m dovetailing a top on a bookshelf and I can’t stand the boards on end.
Great short film
You make it look easy
Stu
Thank you, like most things it's just practice! All the best, David.