How to Make a Dovetail

A dovetail is one of the three main joints commonly used in woodworking. In this guide we will show you how to make one using an easy to follow, step by step format.

The tools you will need to make this joint are:

• Sliding bevel (or a dovetail template)
• Square
• Knife
• Pencil
• Chisel 1″ (25mm) or smaller, you might find it easier to pare cut with a ½”(13mm) or a ¾” (19mm)
• Chisel Hammer

Paul uses wood which is ¾” x 1 ½” x 5” long in this course but you can use other sizes.