Part 4

How To Fit the Half-Blind Dovetails

In this lesson, I show you how to cut, refine and fit the half-blind dovetails to achieve a superior result!

Lesson Objectives

You now have 8 sockets to clear out. All of which are needed to keep your carcass secure, square, and strong. So let’s get this bit right!

To transfer the tails to the sockets, we will be using a knife. There are many to choose from such as Japanese Marking Knives, spear pointed knifes, single bevel, double bevel, scalpel blades etc. The list can go on.

I like to use Swann Morton SM01 blades for all of my marking out. These are effectively scalpel blades, but are slightly thicker than usual. Therefore are more rigid. In addition to this, sharpening is a thing of the past as you can simply replace a dull blade with a new one.

You can purchase the blades here where you will also find a suitable handle to fit. Alternatively, if you fancy treating yourself, I rate these blades so highly that I make my own custom handles for these blades that you can order today!

A Custom Marking Knife

Before embarking on this part of the project, make sure you watch the corresponding parts of this lesson in the Dovetail Box Project. These can be found in the supporting resources below. There are some great tips that will really help you, especially when transferring the tails to the sockets!

Previous Lesson

How to Cut the Half-Blind Dovetails

Next Lesson

How to Make the Drawer Runners

Supporting Material

Click the images below to see supporting material helping you with this part of the project.

This lesson from the Dovetail Box Series shows you all the tips you need to know when transferring the tails.

Despite this lesson being focused on half-blind dovetails, there are still valuable tips found in this lesson on through dovetails.

Having problems when assembling? This lesson on how to adjust dovetail pins will be indispensible for you!

Have you got the plans yet?

Package includes working drawings, a cutting list, and a 3d SketchUp model!

The Student Series

Want to see another beginner make this project before you? It’s a great way to scope out any mistakes before you make one yourself!

*To be filmed

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