I have a couple of projects to do in the near future which will require me to make drawers. I would like to construct the drawer box in the traditional way using through dovetails.
I have started to practice cutting some with limited success. I have read articles about which way to cut them, my first attempt was cutting the pins first but that proved difficult when marking the tails. Later attempts have been made by cutting the tails first which seems easier.
Am I correct in thinking that this is just a matter of practice and the joints will improve in time? Also, can I ask, should I cut as close to the lines as possible with my initial saw cuts, or stay away from the lines, remove the bulk of the waste and then form the joint with a chisel?
Even with my attempts it is possible to see why people love the joint. It looks good, but doesn't it steal your time!
Bob
I have started to practice cutting some with limited success. I have read articles about which way to cut them, my first attempt was cutting the pins first but that proved difficult when marking the tails. Later attempts have been made by cutting the tails first which seems easier.
Am I correct in thinking that this is just a matter of practice and the joints will improve in time? Also, can I ask, should I cut as close to the lines as possible with my initial saw cuts, or stay away from the lines, remove the bulk of the waste and then form the joint with a chisel?
Even with my attempts it is possible to see why people love the joint. It looks good, but doesn't it steal your time!
Bob