Can you take apart a dovetail joint?

WHAT ARE DOVETAIL JOINTS? Dovetail joints are a type of joinery used in furniture and cabinets that is known for its durability and resistance to being pulled apart. It consists of a series of “tails and pins” that make the joints nearly impossible to break.

What is bad about a dovetail joint?

The disadvantages of dovetail joints are that they can be fairly difficult to mark out and cut, and if they are made badly these joints lose the advantages listed above. Depending on the project, function, and design, there are a number of different types of dovetail joints to choose from.

How far apart should dovetails be?

Deciding the angle, number, size, and spacing of the dovetails is critical to success. Generally, the widest portion of the pin should be equal to 1/2 the thickness of the material. The angle of the dovetail is generally between 15° and 20°. The spacing (space between the pins) is usually twice the width of the pins.

What is single through dovetail joint?

Through Dovetail Joints A Through joint is where the end grain is visible from both boards. Through dovetail joints are most commonly used on box construction and carcass (framework of the piece). This joint is also called a plain dovetail by many in the woodworking community.

What is a lapped dovetail joint?

A through dovetail joint uses is where the end grain of both boards is visible where the joint is assembled, creating a stunning dovetail effect from all sides of the box. This very strong joint is also sometimes known as a lapped, English, or plain dovetail.

What makes a dovetail joint strong?

The dovetail joint is very strong because of the way the ‘tails’ and ‘pins’ are shaped. This makes it difficult to pull the joint apart and virtually impossible when glue is added.

Do dovetail joints stay together without glue?

This joint stays together — even without glue! The dovetail joint is made up of two parts. The tails are the flared, triangular shapes, cut through the thickness of one board. The pins are the more slender projections, cut along the grain of the other board.

What are the parts of a dovetail?

There are two parts to a dovetail joint, pins and tails. The tails look like the tail of a dove (hence the name), and the pins are on the opposite board and fit in between the tails to create a joint that is impossible to pull apart in at least one direction.

What is the difference between secret mitred and sliding dovetail joints?

This joint is almost identical to the secret mitred but it includes a thin portion of grain on one end of the joint. The sliding dovetail joint is very different from the rest because there is only one large interlocking section.

Do grandfather clock have dovetail joints?

You will find that most of them have dovetail joints. Pull out drawers or put the grandfather’s clock to check and you will notice the fine craftsmanship is loaded with dovetail joints. The dovetail joint has two basic parts; pins and tails. The tail looks like a dove’s tail, thus the tail and the pins are placed on either side of the joint.