Figure 3-27.--Dovetail half-lap joint.
Figure 3-29.--Making a half-dovetail joint.
combination square. If you don't have either of
occupy, and score the outline of the recess. Then
these, use the method shown in figure 3-28.
saw and chisel out the recess. Remember to saw on
the waste side of all lines.
Select a board with a straight edge, square a
line across it, and lay off six equal lengths on the
To make a multiple-dovetail joint, you lay out
line as shown. From the sixth mark, lay off one
the end of the tail member as shown in figure 3-30.
length perpendicular to the right. A line drawn
The strongest type of dovetail joint is one in which
from this point to the starting point of the first line
the pins and tails are the same size. For ease in
drawn will form a lo-degree angle with that line.
cutting, the pins are usually somewhat smaller than
the tails (as shown). To make a multiple-dovetail
Lay off this angle from the end corners of
joint, you first determine the number of pins and
the lapping member to the shoulder line (fig. 3-29).
the size you want to make each pin. Then, lay off
Saw out the waste as shown. The lapping member
a half-pin from each edge of the member. Next,
now has a dovetail on it. Place this dovetail over
locate the center lines of the other pins at equal
the other member, in the position it is supposed to
intervals across the end of the piece. Then, you lay
Figure 3-28.--Laying off a 10-degree angle for a dovetail
Figure 3-30.--Laying out pin member for through
joint.
multiple-dovetail joint.
3-23