Recent content by Handcrafter

Danny, K should have added - you're right about using a pencil (for the tails, that is) - the line's easier to see and as you're cutting a template it doesn't have to be so precise as when you cut the pins. Rob Cosman uses a pen for the tails - but you do need to use either a scalpel or marking...

Plug away, Danny - it's really worth the effort I promise you. There are some kinds of dovetails that I can't imagine any router jig or machine coping with, so it's well worth developing the hand skills. I'd suggest you consider a jeweller's saw for removing the waste - its finer blade is much...

Agreed Jimmy - cutting straight to the line may need a bit of practice to perfect but it repays in all kinds of ways. I've got one of th eCosman DVDs and foudn it really helpful - thought at first that the 'no trial fit' dovetail was probably an exaggeration but believe me it's not!

Nothing to be ashamed of in trying to learn a tricky skill! You might find an entry on my blog helpful. It seems I can't post links here for some reason - so go to Wordpress and search for boxmakermichael and find the thread 'How I cut dovetails. Having a really good quality dovetail saw helps...

I tried this company a while ago, having seen their name here. All seemed well and I got to the point of ordering (but luckly hadn't sent any money) and suddenly all communication from them stopped. Several emails went unanswered, including the final one where I asked whether they were still...