Name: Introduction to Dovetails
Instructor: Frank Strazza
Skill Level: Upper Beginner
Prerequisites: Some hand tools experience is recommended

Format: Weekend In-Person Class

June 7th & 8th, 2025 | 9am to 5pm

Class Description:

In this two-day class, you’ll uncover the critical elements that make or break a perfect dovetail while learning to separate essential techniques from common misconceptions. We’ll begin with an overview of sharpening, followed by sawing practice to develop proper tool handling and usage.

The class will cover through dovetails, tapered sliding dovetails, and half-blind dovetails, with needlepoint dovetails added as the techniques progress. The instructor will also demonstrate houndstooth dovetails, showing how these skills build upon each other. Along the way, students will discover which tools are essential, how to use them effectively, and the advantages and limitations of various approaches.

Topics and skills covered will include:

• The fundamentals of sharpening for precise, clean cuts
• Proper sawing techniques, including tool hold and usage
• How to cut through dovetails with accuracy and confidence
• Techniques for tapered sliding dovetails
• Cutting half-blind dovetails for drawer construction
• The intricate methods behind needlepoint and houndstooth dovetails
• Tool selection: which tools matter most and how to use them effectively
• Strategies for reducing stress by focusing on what truly matters in joinery

What you’ll need:

We recommend that you take the time to research and purchase high quality hand tools. Buying the cheapest tools possible will lead to headaches down the road. Please do not buy hand tools from Amazon or Home Improvement Stores. Check out woodworking retail stores like Lee Valley Tools, Woodcraft, Rockler, Heartwood Tools or tool makers like Lie-Nielson Tool, Bad Axe Tools, or Melbourne Tools. We also have tools you may borrow.

• 12” Square
  • Frank recommends – Starrett
• Marking knife
  • Frank recommends – Pfiel No. 4
• Cutting gauge
  • Frank recommends – Mass Woodworks
• Dividers
  • Frank recommends – Starrett
• Ruler/Measuring tape
• Dovetail template 1:7
• Bevel gauge
• Sawing (Both of the dovetail or Gent saws are not needed just pick one)
  • Dovetail saw
    • Frank recommends –  Lie Nielsen or Bad Axe
  • Gent Saw
    • Frank recommends – Thomas Flynn Pax
  • Coping saw
    • Frank recommends – Tools for Working Wood
• Chiseling
  • Assorted chisels (1/8”, 1/4”, 3/8″, 1/2″, 3/4″, 1”)
    • Frank recommends – Lie Nielsen
    • Narex are a good value
• Sharpening setup
  • Water or ceramic stones
  • Frank recommends – DMT Dia Sharp – Course, Fine and Extra Fine and a Hard translucent stone and strop
• Wood Mallet
• Notebook and Pencil
• Water and snack

Austin School of Furniture has the right to cancel this class at anytime if the minimum amount of students is not reached.

See our Refund Policy here