How to Make Bandsaw Dovetails

⚙️ EPISODE #229: All kinds of jigs are pushed to help you cut dovetails, but one of the easiest ways is a tool you might already have, the bandsaw. I’ve been building new workbenches and the chunky half blind dovetails are a perfect time to reveal this method. In this episode I show you an angle jig for easily cutting the tails on the bandsaw, then the hand technique for chopping out the half-blind pins. A great option to have in your bag of tricks! (Closed captions)
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[@studiohost]

Always creative! Gotta tell you , there is nothing as satisfying as hand cut dovetails. You helped me get the confidence to at least try cutting them 5 or 6 years ago (you tube) .Now I try to put a drawer in as many pieces as possible because they’re fun and super rewarding. Thank you !

[@EpicWoodworking]

That’s awesome, thanks for letting me know, means a lot. And thanks for watching! 👍😎

[@samla2404]

Wow nice thanks again for the great content 😊

[@EpicWoodworking]

My pleasure! 👍

[@mikein_ga]

Wow. Those chisels are sharp😊

[@danielmierop662]

Thank You from New Hampshire

[@VinceEspositoJr]

While I enjoy woodworking having functional sight in only one eye now, I enjoyed it much more when I could see out of both eyes. Please consider using eye protection especially working on the machines? It won't ruin your movie star looks on the big screen! If I did not care I would not mention it, so please don't take it the wrong way.

[@WalterMelons]

While I don’t disagree, we all make our own decisions on what safety measures we take while working.

[@brianhawes3115]

I’ve got some safety glasses that have a 1.5 magnification, and that means if I’m cutting, sanding, drilling ect. Their on

[@VinceEspositoJr]

Are they over the counter? Been looking for some.

[@brianhawes3115]

@@VinceEspositoJr yes I got them from Craft supply out of Utah

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thank you, great reminder, I don’t take it the wrong way at all! 👍And thanks for saying you think I have movie star looks, I’m afraid those days are gone 😎 And thanks for watching!

[@stevedolby1819]

Great demo Tom!

[@rick91443]

Great. Thrilled we have the same small ban saw here in Normandy....cheers richard

[@donesry2902]

Nicely done! Thank you!

[@EpicWoodworking]

My pleasure, thanks! 👍

[@normancarnahan4893]

NICE DEMO!

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thanks Norm! 👍

[@mccrich8094]

Tom, can you tell me why you chose soft maple for your workbench instead of say, hard maple? What are the advantages of soft maple? Thanks. Enjoyed this video.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thanks, that's a great question. If you have access to the video Course, I discuss this at length during the first session where we introduce the project. There are so many options when it comes to workbenches. The hardest wood will certainly be the most durable, showing the least amount of wear over time. However, the hardness can have a kind of sharp feeling when working on it. It's hard to explain, but I think of it almost like a slightly softer wood, having more elasticity, more friendly to the touch, and the ears, when working with wood on it as a surface. Of course a softer wood, like soft maple, compared to hard maple, will show more wear over time, but I considered the workability of the surface when making my choice. And there is also the matter of cost, which can be significantly higher for hard maple. When it comes down to it, it's a very subjective choice, and I would recommend a good chunk of whatever species you're considering and smack them around a bit to see what resonates with your liking. Hope that helps in answering your question. Thanks for your interest!

[@daveengstrom9250]

Can one only see half blind dovetails with one eye?

[@EpicWoodworking]

Yes, with your head tilted 😎

[@andydepaule3296]

Well some of the other KZbinrs who tend to be a tad more anal won't like this, but as for me, I'm a good woodworker, but my lazy half likes a good short cut and getting on to the next phase of the job at hand. Thanks for a great video! (-:.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Yes, I think it’s nice to have a lot of methods in your bag of options. Thanks for watching! 👍

[@davidsanturri9832]

So true Vince. PPEs extremely important. I catch myself sometimes. So I leave several protective eyeglasses around the shop. So no excuses. Tom you make it look easy. But I know it’s not. Great technique for for bandsaw dovetail cutting.

[@yoramgreenblat1243]

how do you handle it when the board of the pins (or tails) is about 7 ft long?

[@EpicWoodworking]

The same way. I actually decided to use this bandsaw method for that exact reason…for the long rails of a workbench project we have as a course at epicwoodworking.com. Thanks! 👍

[@williammagee7514]

Another very useful band-saw technique, thank you!

[@dpmeyer4867]

Thank you

[@jjmcrosbie]

You are the living proof that a mass of expensive machinery is no substitute for skill.

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thanks Jim, I have always liked leaving some handprints on the work when possible. 😎👍

[@plemieux7237]

You win. You have more sawdust and shavings on floor than Tommy Mac

[@EpicWoodworking]

And to think I even tried to sweep up and hide the mess beforehand! 😎

[@kenmitchell3784]

Nice job, very satisfying to watch as I am sure it was for you to make

[@EpicWoodworking]

Yes, always nice to see them come together, thank you! 👍😎

[@williamhalliday6933]

You ooz craftsmanship! So good to see proper joinery. 🇬🇧 🤝 🇺🇸 👍🏻

[@EpicWoodworking]

Thank you, kind of you to say 👍😎

[@EpicWoodworking]

And thanks for watching! 👍