This project was built and demonstrated by Norman Pirollo from WoodSkills. It’s a detailed look at how to cut half-blind dovetail joints using a custom jig and hand tools—perfect for anyone refining their joinery skills.
Dovetails are one of the most respected joints in woodworking, and Norman’s method highlights how hand tools and a simple jig can deliver clean, strong results. His approach focuses on precision, craftsmanship, and mindful technique.
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Why Dovetail Joints Matter
Dovetail joints combine form and function. They’re known for their interlocking tails and pins, which create a mechanical bond that doesn’t rely solely on glue or fasteners.
Half-blind dovetails are especially useful in drawer construction. They allow the joint to be hidden from the front while still offering all the strength of a traditional dovetail at the sides.
Tools Norman Recommends
This project relies on a few fundamental hand tools and a custom-made jig. While power tools can speed up the process, hand tools offer more control and a tactile connection with the material.
- Dovetail jig: Used to align the pieces and guide the layout
- Backsaw: For making precise cuts along layout lines
- Chisels: For cleaning and squaring up the cuts
- Mallet: Helps drive the chisels with control and force
These tools form the foundation for anyone looking to develop traditional joinery skills.
Preparing the Materials
As with any joinery project, success starts with well-prepared stock. Norman begins by selecting straight, defect-free hardwood. Pieces are cut to final size and checked for square.
Proper prep ensures tight, seamless joints. Any twist or cup in the boards will throw off alignment and weaken the final connection.
Setting Up the Dovetail Jig
Once the pieces are dimensioned, the jig is adjusted to match the size and spacing of the tails and pins. The jig holds both boards in alignment and makes it easier to transfer measurements between them accurately.
Norman emphasizes careful setup here. A few extra minutes checking alignment and layout marks can save a lot of cleanup later on.
Cutting the Tails and Pins
With the jig secured and layout lines marked, the tails are cut first. Norman uses a backsaw to carefully follow the angled lines, paying attention to consistency across each cut.
After completing the tails, the layout is transferred to the mating board, and the pins are cut in the same way. Precision is key during this step—tight joints depend on clean, square cuts.
Chiseling and Cleanup
Once the waste is removed between tails and pins, Norman switches to chisels. He uses light mallet taps to pare down the shoulders and refine the baseline cuts.
A sharp chisel makes all the difference here. Instead of forcing the fit, Norman focuses on steady, controlled removal of small amounts until the joint seats properly.
Checking the Fit
With both boards shaped, the joint is dry-fitted to check for gaps or misalignment. Small adjustments with the chisel help fine-tune the fit, ensuring the joint is snug without needing excessive force.
This is also the point to check for symmetry and squareness. Any high spots or tight corners are addressed before final assembly.
Why Norman Prefers Hand Tools
Throughout the video, Norman shares his perspective on the value of hand tools in woodworking. His process is quiet, focused, and deliberate—less about speed and more about connection to the material.
This philosophy is something he explores in more depth through his writing, including the book Quiet Woodworking in an Unquiet World. His work encourages slowing down and developing an appreciation for traditional techniques.
Additional Learning from Norman
For those interested in going deeper, Norman offers online courses through his platform WoodSkills. Topics range from basic woodworking to furniture design, all grounded in his decades of experience.
He’s also the author of From Hi-Tech to Lo-Tech: A Woodworker’s Journey, which outlines his shift from modern power tools to a slower, more intentional method. These resources are excellent for woodworkers looking to grow both technically and creatively.
A Timeless Technique Worth Learning
Dovetail joinery isn’t just functional—it’s a mark of craftsmanship. Learning to cut half-blind dovetails by hand gives you more control, more satisfaction, and more versatility in your projects.
Using a simple jig, a few hand tools, and a steady approach, Norman demonstrates how accessible and effective traditional joinery can be. For anyone serious about woodworking, mastering this technique is a milestone worth reaching.
Support Norman by visiting his website: https://www.woodskills.com/