Name: Hand Cut Dovetails
Instructor: Shota Yamaguchi 
Skill Level: Upper Beginner
Prerequisites: Some hand tools experience is recommended

Format: Evenings

Monday evenings starting April 27th through May 18th (4 meetings) | 6:00- 10:00pm

Class Description:

Are you mystified by the dovetails found in fine furniture? In this class we’ll cover all of the steps for making tight and accurate dovetails, culminating in a keepsake box project to show off your new skills.

We’ll begin with a brief overview of sharpening to establish functional edges followed by sawing exercises focused on cutting confidently to the line through repeated test cuts.

Once foundational skills are established, students will move into box construction. Instruction will cover laying out and marking dovetails, keeping track of parts, and cutting through dovetails with consistency. As skills progress, the instructor may demonstrate different types of dovetails such as needlepoint and half blind as advanced variations, though students will focus on standard proportions.

The box curriculum will include frame-and-panel construction for the top and bottom, with discussion and demonstration of multiple approaches and their tradeoffs. Students will complete glue-up, cut the box to create a fitted lid, and refine surfaces through block planing. The class will also cover hand-cut hinge mortising, milling and fitting an interior tray or insert, and finishing considerations.

Throughout the course, emphasis will be placed on tool selection, sequencing, accuracy, and repeatable process—skills that carry beyond a single project.

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
• Half-blind 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. If you are thinking about making some significant purchases for this class feel free to reach out to the school for further recommendations. We can also talk about tools during class. If you own these tools please bring them along to get practice with your home set up.

• 12” Square
  • Starrett
• Marking knife
  • Scalpel- Swann-Morton 4 handle with #11 blades or
  • Pfiel No 4
• Cutting gauge
  • Circular
• Dividers
• Ruler/Measuring tape
• Dovetail template 1:7 or 1:6
• Sawing
  • Dovetail saw
    • Lie Nielsen, Bad Axe or Veritas
  •  Coping saw
    • Any deep reach one will work, Knew Concepts or Groz
• Chiseling
  • Assorted chisels
    • Narex are a good value, any good quality bench chisels will do.
• Sharpening setup
• 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