About

Dovetails started out as a practical solution to keep drawers from coming apart as people tugged and pushed them in and out. Today, they still serve that  purpose. But, in an era when there are also machine-assisted ways to join wood at right angles, projects with hand-cut dovetails are also a code for fine craftsmanship. 

Learning how to make these joints is a sure way to build your woodworking skills, because the process involves the fundamental steps common to all hand-cut joinery.  In this class, you will learn how to design, lay out and mark dovetails, and how to cut them accurately and efficiently using hand saws and chisels. You'll also learn the tricks to getting them to fit perfectly.

There won't be enough time in this class to complete a project, but you will go home with one completed corner, which you can use to refresh your memory later about which parts to cut and which to leave. It's surprisingly easy to get that mixed up if you haven't cut dovetails for a while, so having a reference piece can save you a lot of grief.

Details

• Ages 14+ are welcome.
  
• Open to beginners, but prior hand-tool experience is recommended. Related skills — such as how to sharpen tools — won't be covered in this class.
  

• Tuition assistance is available. Click here to apply.

• BARN is practicing safety measures for the health and well-being of all participants, in accordance with state and CDC guidelines. BARN safety policies are here.
• Wear closed-toe shoes.
  

Instructor: Ted Newman. Ted studied woodworking and has assisted in classes at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Rockport, Maine. He is active in BARN's woodworker group and volunteers as a safety monitor.