Dovetail Angles

Generally speaking, dovetails are a signature joint for the furniture maker, for the joiner it's the mortice and tenon. Both can be made in various ways but here I'll discuss the dovetail and only one small element, the angle.

During my apprenticeship I learned that softwood required an angle of 1:6 and hardwood 1:8. I never questioned it, never had the need to. But as I became more experienced and I developed an eye for things within my trade, I started to notice some variations. It didn't take long to understand that what I learned was far from wrong, in fact it was excellent! I learnt a skill by rote. But the next phase of learning was looking, listening reading and watching.

By looking I learned that regarding strength, it doesn't matter what your ratio is. I noticed that the earlier the furniture and also the more vernacular, angles would normally be steeper, seeing something up to 1:4 was not unusual. The joint was typically hidden by applied moulding or on areas not observed during use such as drawers.

By listening, I've picked up that a lot of woodworkers in the public domain have their own pet angles and approach. All of them are absolutely right. They, like those before them, have their own preference. To argue the toss with their preferences would be foolish. Instead, I see if I can draw something that might enhance my work.

Reading is one of my favourite ways to glean insight. Quality books, good books, provide inspiration rich text, drawings and images. From magazine articles to the trade approach found in George Ellis' “Modern Practical Joinery” or masters such Alan Peters “Cabinet Making, the Professional Approach”. All of them have a variation to suit their context.

Watching is valuable, I can see how people apply their method to suit the task at hand. Cut freehand with no setting out for simple work or hidden areas or careful setting out and composition for maximum visual effect.

So once you have the rote skills to cut a good joint, at whatever angle you choose I think you'll concentrate more on context, composition and clean work than overly stressing on an exact angle.