dovetails

Dovetails are a type of woodworking joint used to connect pieces at right angles, most commonly in drawers and boxes. The joint consists of interlocking wedge-shaped tails cut in one piece and pins cut in the mating piece, creating a strong mechanical lock that resists pulling apart. The pattern of tails and pins resembles a dove’s tail, which gives the joint its name. Dovetails are valued for both strength and appearance, and are often used where visible joinery is desirable.

There are several common variants. Through dovetail, the pins and tails pass completely through the ends so both faces show. Half-blind dovetail is when only the tails are visible from the front and the pins are hidden on the opposite face. Blind (full-blind) dovetails hide both tails and pins from the exterior on one face. A sliding dovetail is a related joint in which a tenon slides into a corresponding groove for alignment and strength.

Construction generally involves layout, cutting, and fitting. Layout of tails on the front piece is done with a marking gauge and dovetail markers. The tails are cut with a saw and refined with chisels. The layout is transferred to the mating piece to mark pins, then pins are cut. The joint is tested for fit, adjusted as needed, and then glued and clamped. Proper alignment and equal thickness are important for a tight joint, and many woodworkers rely on precise marking, sharp tools, and careful paring.

Historically, dovetails appear in a wide range of cultures and traditions. They remain common in quality cabinetry, drawers, boxes, and hand-crafted furniture. While modern production often uses mechanical fasteners and adhesives, the hand-cut dovetail is still valued for its mechanical integrity and aesthetic appeal.