Drawer Making & Fitting

“To say that dovetails are handmade joints is to say nothing. To tell about dovetails in terms of angles and the traditional regular spacing is a bit more – but dull. To give a feeling of this classic joint in various situations – how spacing can be made less monotonous and at the same time more logical, how dovetail angles are related to different woods and the sense of tension in each, to convey the rhythm of a joint and its clarity of purpose – is something else again.  

We need that kind of looking at our work, for better or for worse. In the long run it is what keeps some of us going. That and our love for wood.”

James Krenov 1977

In this program, students will be introduced to the layout, cutting, chopping, and careful fitting of hand cut dovetails. Hand cut joinery offers an opportunity for the maker to develop a more personal relationship with our craft.  

With this in mind, we begin the preparation, modification and fabrication of hand tools required in this program. Each student will make at least one paring chisel and knife. Then, through a series of demonstrations, students will be guided through the process of making both through and half lapped dovetails.  

Students will use these tools skills covered to make a small drawer and fit it using a method known as ‘let go’ to their cabinet made during Joinery & Balance or to one of our student cabinets. The drawer making aspect of the program also includes making and fitting bottoms.

Provided Tools

• Recommended Tools are available for loan while at the school upon request
• 1 1/2" Wooden Smoothing Plane
  

Recommended Tools

• Plane Adjustment Hammer
• Low Angle Block Plane
• Dovetail saw
• Chisels
• Scribe
• Small Square
• Small Bevel Gauge
• Chisel Hammer
• Water Stones 1000 & 8000
• Oberg Cut File*
• Safety Glasses
• Hearing Protectors

* Tools are available for purchase at the school

Recommended Text

The Fine Art of Cabinetmaking by James Krenov

Optional Text
The Complete Modern Blacksmith by Alexander G. Weygers

Artisan & Resident Artisan Programs l Graphics & Edges l Plane Making & Surfaces

Joinery & Balance l Drawer Making & Fitting l Veneers & Curves l Hardware & Finish