Dovetail Caddy Episode 1
Posted 28 March 2013
This is an episode in a free series. Want to watch it? It is free to do so, you just need to log into the site, and you can enjoy this video and many other videos we think you will love.
In this episode Paul will show how to make the double dovetail for the back corners of the caddy detailing each and every step. In cutting these dovetails Paul will show a technique for using a backing piece to keep the cuts perfectly square.
Thanks guys, what a great little project. I did not expect this one. 🙂
Thanks Ken.
We thought those who aren’t ready to start the coffee table might need a project to keep them going. 🙂
BTW, this video is viewable by all members free or paid.
Nice surprise. Thanks. I can watch woodworking all day long, but I must not forget to do some work myself 🙂
thanks guys we all like a bonus from time to time;)
I like that little trick for cutting the dove tails. I want to call it a “dove tail miter box.” 🙂
This bonus is very much appreciated! Especially since my dovetails often look like Dave Letterman’s teeth.
What’s wrong with gappy teeth Bob?
Thanks…really good project!
What an awesome little project, just what I needed to finish cleaning up the workshop.
Great video. I might actually be able to do it now.
As others mentioned, a very nice surprise, Thank You Guy’s. These little tips are very much appreciated and what great projects and ideas.
Steve
This dove tail went into its place , for sure.
Thank you.
Nice surprise!
Thanks,
Gary
Nice to get something unexpected. 🙂
Thanks
Thanks for all the comments. We are really happy you guys are enjoying it.
I would also like to share my appreciation for this video. It is a very nice surprise. I give a big thanks to Paul for being so open with his knowledge on hand tools and how to use them. Also I would like to thank those who support and work with Paul to make it all happen.
Thank you to all the Sellers team, for this really helpful video.
Joseph / Paul
Thanks for that I enjoy watching Paul’s videos only got 5 days now to the next one now
Just awesome. It’s beginning to make the dovetail experience not so daunting.
Just joint your site , I must say it is very very well laid out well done.
I have been watching on you tube for a little while. Nice to see a brit for a change.
Loved the little block of wood trick to copy dovetails .
At the moment I am beefing up my work bench bought online.
Wish I had made one from scratch. The vise that came with bench was useless . So now I’m putting my old quick release and an other worm vise on, as well as beefing up top. i do not get a load of time so keeping these projects in mind. would have loved to have a go at the clock project I guess I’ too late for that.
Thanks Mark A
Mark, I’m off topic but you can buy the clock project here. Welcome to the forum 😉
https://woodworkingmasterclasses.com/buy-past-projects/
Thanks Ken.
I will look into that 😉
Hi Paul,
What brand are the red-handled chisels you’re using in this video? Are they still sold? if yes where can I buy them?
Sam
@j_sama Paul is using Robert Sorby Chisels. Yes you can still buy them, just Google them. 😉
I can’t seem to find any chisels with red handles by Robert Sorby…
The reason I asked was because I need some cheap thin-edged chisels suited for dovtailing (I’m fed up with the common thick-edge bevel firmers). Robert Sorby’s are expensive chisels. Could you recommend any cheaper ones (around 15 euros each)?
Sam
Lots of threads on chisels bud, Narex cabinet makers chisels are fine enough for dovetails and a good price.
Not the Narex bench chisels though.
If you need anymore help I would post in the forum, as we are taking this thread way of topic.
Cheers
Ken 😉
Link to sorby chisels, dealers at the top of the page.
http://www.robert-sorby.co.uk/bevel.htm
Paul is an outstanding instructor. I am great full for the information. Paul has a true passion for working wood and it is inspiring. Thank you
Great video thanks, I have a question why does Paul use this method of cutting a dovetail instead of the other method which I have seen him use on YouTube when he uses a coping saw etc. cheers:)
Neil, paul has said when he wants a quick method for cutting dovetails, he will use the coping saw. When he wants more precise dovetails, he will use this method. 😉
Thanks Ken, makes sense. Well it’s more practice then! 🙂
Hi Paul,
I’m looking for a marking knife like the one you use, so far I’m not able to find one. where do you get yours from? it looks like a great little knife. Thanks
Try Amazon Craig
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stanley-Folding-Pocket-Knife-598/dp/B0001IWDBU/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1381682675&sr=8-14&keywords=stanley+knife
FYI, I just tried the Amazon site, and ordered one. I got a message that it was restricted, and couldn’t be delivered to my home. I have not run into this problem before, and would really like to get one of these marking knives..
Hi William
I ordered a couple from ebay. Shipped to Canada from uk with no problem.
Hope this helps.
Thanks Ken, of all the places- not looked at that site! found one! Cheers.
Wow. I’m new at this site. In fact I’m new at all of this. I have yet to make anything, but I love learning how things are done. Thanks for the detailed explanation. Tom
Welcome Thomas, just dive right in and have some fun with the rest of us!
Hi, I love the instructions that Paul gives and it is a quiet way to work, then my condo neighbours will not complain if I work after 5 p.m. I am all set!!
This is what I think of when I think woodworking. Minimal use of power tools, and the results are rewarding.
Good afternoon. I am new to handtools and have fallen in love with real woodworking. I have been purchasing tools mostly based on Paul’s recommendations. I am curious to know what dovetail saw he recommends.
Thanks for any advice.
Well, to continue following Paul’s recommendations the following links to Pauls’ blog will answer your question and then some!
https://paulsellers.com/2011/08/looking-for-dovetail-saws-buy-veritas/
https://paulsellers.com/2012/01/a-good-dovetail-saw-where-can-i-get-one/
https://paulsellers.com/2012/12/questions-answered-which-handsaw-for-a-beginner/
Great thanks
love the dovetail backer wood piece to ensure square cut. Thanks!
How are you getting your stock in various thicknesses? Are you hand planing them down from a 3/4″ or 1″ thick lumber?
Hello @ocrane,
If you don’t have the use of a bandsaw (or other machines), the other option is to plane it, but you could make use of the following jig: ithttps://woodworkingmasterclasses.com/2014/05/thickness-planing/
Philip,
Hey I appreciate that link a ton. I don’t have a bandsaw. I do have a table saw which would work well. I was just making sure there wasn’t another way. I like the jig, it would need to be modified for depth and thickness. Thanks again for the help!
Great video and excellent tip on using the backing board to extend the cut line. I am a very green novice, so I would have used setup lines for the cuts on the other end instead of relying solely on the cuts in the backing board. I noticed when Paul lined the backing board for the other end of the board that the cuts were off center. One end cut was wider than the other cut.
Lovely project in so many ways. I’ve watched these videos several times and each time I learn something new, such as the way paul uses a pencil line instead of a marking gauge to initially lay out the dovetails. Thanks.