A dovetail is a type of joint used in furniture and cabinet making that is functional, strong, and pleasing to most eyes. This demo will focus on Through Dovetails, a quintessential joint for all skill levels.
In this demonstration the student will learn about the functionality of the dovetail and its parts: pins and tails! This is a step by step demo that brings the student through the creation of dovetailed joinery using a methodical order of operations and variety of hand tools.
The instructor will demonstrate the use and purpose of layout tools, how to hold a dovetail saw and cut to layout lines, chopping and paring with chisels, how and when to use a mallet, removing waste material with a coping saw (as opposed to chopping) and fitting the dovetail! We will focus on why and when we use each tool or technique and how to safely handle all tools so that the student can think critically (and maybe even creatively) about the construction of their future dovetails.
Kelly Harris is a woodworker, furniture maker, designer, and educator . She designs and builds custom furniture in her Brooklyn, NY shop and also instructs woodworking workshops/classes. Kelly's work is primarily in wood with a focus on solid joinery, simple yet curious design, an exploration of shape, and sometimes hidden splashes of color. Her approach to design, build, and instruction are all approached with a priority given to fun, critical thinking, collaborative spirit and respect for all humans, tools and materials involved.
See more images of her work below, and also by visiting her website at kellyharrisdesign.com or instagram @kellyhappis
