The Complete Dovetail: Handmade Furniture's Signature Joint

By Ian Kirby

The dovetail joint, which woodworkers rely on for making boxes and drawers, is the hallmark of fine craftsmanship. This unique and comprehensive handbook unlocks the intricacies of the classic joint. Woodworkers will learn exactly how to design and lay out all forms of the dovetail, and how to saw and chisel the mating parts for a perfect fit. With detailed explanations at every step and a refreshingly contemporary approach, master craftsman Ian Kirby shows how to achieve superb results with traditional hand tools as well as modern router jigs. Variations include the through, single-lap and double-lap dovetail; the secret miter dovetail; dovetail housings; and rail-to-leg dovetails. Every serious woodworker will need to own this essential reference.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0941936678
• ISBN13: 9780941936675
• Release Date: July 2001
• Publisher: Linden Publishing
• Length: 154 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.3" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

Just Finished the Read....Awesome!

If you have ever watched the Frank Klaus video on handcutting dovetails and then went and then tried it...I know I got less than spectacular results. I guess there is a difference between someone needing to make a fully dovetailed drawer in 20 minutes to put food on the table vs me, joe woodworker that cranks out one project a month if I am lucky. I've read a million articles on dovetailing, and though many are good, this is certainly the best. Why? Kirby explains everything from stance to starting a kerf correctly. Really, if you can cut a straight line I think you can cut a dovetail, but cutting a straight line is very hard to do and Kirby addresses alot of that. The exercises seem sound and I cannot wait to try them. I don't think I will ever make a dovetailed drawer in 20 minutes using Kirby's methods, but I am sure it will improve my quality...and for joe woodworker, that may be good enough.

Dovetails made easy

The book was well written and organized. THe pictures are especially good and made the process easier to understand. The book does an excellent job of detailing a process that simply takes quite a bit of practice to perfect.

Excellent book on handcut dovetails

I have plenty of articles and books on cutting dovetails by hand. I have dutifully followed the steps, instructions, etc. provided yet my dovetails are still not as good as I would like them to be. However, Kirby's book is the first one that explained the basics in a clear form, provided a good set of steps and REASONS behind why things are done in a certain order. After reading Kirby's book and following his techniques, my dovetails are far better. I also bought a copy for my brother, and he too likes this book alot.

Unbelievable detail & great diagrams

Kirby does an outstanding job of describing the necessary steps to making a hand cut dovetail joint. Actually, many of his lessons are also applicable if you're using a router to machine your dovetails. I've read other articles that only explain the principle, but they fail to cover topics such as squaring your wood, and the principle behind techniques. Kirby covers every aspect of the making the dovetail joint. He differs in opinion with other authors, but his method obviously works. This is a fantastic work for anyone looking to learn hand made dovetail joinery.

the best guide for hand cut dovetails

Thank you Ian Kirby! Thank you. I am new to woodworking and was fascinated with the hand cut dovetail. I purchased Ian's book a few month ago, and it was easy to read, complete and authoritative. I'm sorry, but you cannot learn how to dovetail from a three page magazine article. This book is comprehensive, with good photographs. I did Ian's practice joints, then made a bookshelf joined with dovetails. They turned out great. Then I walked into a master woodworking class and the project required hand-cut dovetails. It was quite intimidating but I was confident in my dovetails. I even brought the book along. My dovetails were gorgeous - the best in the class! The project went great. Ian Kirby is the best! He is a master of woodworking and his book reflects this.