Through Dovetails for Drawers

[Derek Cohen]

While completing the last drawer for the chest, it occurred to me to take a few photos.

I have described the process I take with through dovetails for drawers in pictures, in some detail (in lieu of a video). The pictorial is here ...

http://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furniture/ThroughDovetails2.html

http://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furniture/ThroughDovetails2_html_529ed63d.jpg

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Phil Mueller]

Thanks Derek! Great tutorial.

[Frederick Skelly]

Thanks Derek. I appreciate that!

[Pat Barry]

Very interesting. Thanks for taking the time to document your process so thoroughly Derek. As always your work is clean and inspiring. This type of thread is so much better than debating the merits of various relatively similar rake and fleam angles or pros and cons of grinding wheels as compared to other options for hogging away material.

[Archie England]

Thanks! You, sir, do wonderful work!

[Kees Heiden]

Very clean work indeed!

[Larry Frank]

Thanks for the tutorial....great dovetails and great article.

[Adam Cruea]

Beautiful work, Derek.

Just one question, though: why do you prefer London dovetails?

[Derek Cohen]

.. Just one question, though: why do you prefer London dovetails?

Because I think them elegant. In the same way that I go to the lengths required for using thin drawer sides with slips. They all add to a fine, delicate appearance (which is nevertheless very strong structurally). I believe that this aesthetic came to the fore around 1800. These fine dovetails are still considered de rigeur among high end furniture makers. One thing is for sure, they cannot be imitated by machines :)

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Barry Dima]

One thing is for sure, they cannot be imitated by machines :)

Not yet: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/38b6f0c4-e6a1-11e5-bc31-138df2ae9ee6.html#axzz42VdlODtI

But seriously, thanks for sharing this and the rest of your website, Derek. I regularly answer questions regarding technique with, "I'm pretty sure it's on Derek Cohen's blog."

[Adam Cruea]

That's fair. I figured it was either that or due to the English influence in Australia.

How thin are the drawer sides? I usually make drawers with 3/4" sides (or around 19mm). I find them a little chunky, but I wasn't ever sure where that line was from delicate and strong versus delicate and weak. I'm guessing that's where the slips help (for adding structural integrity when a rabbit would compromise integrity)?

By the way, I don't know if I've said or not, but your blog is a boon of information and great for ideas.

[Sean Hughto]

tut tut, next time no more than a kerf's with at the top of those pins! ;)

[george wilson]

That's one heck of a nice wheel gauge,Derek. Is it manufactured,or did someone make it individually?

[Derek Cohen]

That's fair. I figured it was either that or due to the English influence in Australia.

How thin are the drawer sides? I usually make drawers with 3/4" sides (or around 19mm). I find them a little chunky, but I wasn't ever sure where that line was from delicate and strong versus delicate and weak. I'm guessing that's where the slips help (for adding structural integrity when a rabbit would compromise integrity)?

By the way, I don't know if I've said or not, but your blog is a boon of information and great for ideas.

Thanks Adam

The drawer sides are around 1/4" thick, at most a little under 3/8".

Australia certainly does take its lead from the UK.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Derek Cohen]

That's one heck of a nice wheel gauge,Derek. Is it manufactured,or did someone make it individually?

Hi George

That was a limited edition by Veritas in stainless steel. They made a few for a short while. Cheap as chips. Absolute bargain .. and yet few noticed and made a grab. I got two of them ..

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Derek50/Marking%20and%20Measuring/A5_zpsc5c4fd82.jpg

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Steve Voigt]

Looks good, Derek. Very nice. 👍👍👌

[Chris Hachet]

Looks good, Derek. Very nice. 


Agreed completely.

[Derek Cohen]

A little revision to the write up. Some photos added and some techniques are clarified ...

http://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furniture/ThroughDovetails3.html

Regards from Perth

Derek

[David Eisenhauer]

Thanks for the lesson with close up photos. Question: I have looked for a way to cut the upper back corners off of drawers to facilitate initial drawer insertion into the carcase, but have not wanted to try to bevel the back side of the entire drawer back. Do I only need to cut off the outer two corners of the side tops? I assume all drawer backs and sides are in the same plane, but would it be better to shorten the top of the drawer back some to allow the outer corners of the sides to be cut down to the elevation of the drawer back? Another question: Drawer slips are installed flush to the bottom of the drawer sides, correct? I would appreciate your ideas on these questions.

[Derek Cohen]

Hi David

Here is a completed drawer minus the drawer bottom. This will give you an idea of the design, bevels, drawer back and position of the slips ..

http://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furniture/BuildingTheDrawers_html_made5844.jpg

There are more details here: http://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furniture/BuildingTheDrawers.html

Regards from Perth

Derek