37 - How to make Through Dovetail joints Online Class in 4K video

The African Padauk Keepsake Box in this video will be given away to someone as a thanks for watching us. All you need to do, is click “Like” on our Facebook page, and leave a comment below. Any comment is fine. You can just say hello! Here is our Facebook Page: / kingsfinewoodworking
In addition to all of our regular builds, we are beginning a series of online class topics in woodworking. They will be nicely packed lessons that include things such as joinery techniques, making money woodworking, wood and adhesive selection, tool use, order of operations and much more.
This is one of those. I will teach you how to make through dovetails, and an associated keepsake box. Since I am a power tool user, almost all of my work is in that line, and this is no exception. I respect the woodworkers who like to use traditional hand cut dovetail joinery, and I myself learned to do it almost 30 years ago. It’s great. But that’s not what this is.
In this course, you will learn to cut dovetails with a router, and a dovetail jig. Machine cut dovetails are flawless, and every bit as nice and pretty as handcut. The difference is, that I can teach you to make perfect dovetails in 30 minutes, instead of months of practice. Dovetails have long been considered one of the pinnacle achievements in woodworking. If you could make a perfect dovetail joint, then by default you must be a good woodworker. So, I thought it appropriate to start my online classes here. With the through-dovetail.
We hope you will follow along as we upload other classes in woodworking. Please subscribe if you don’t want to miss any, and if you click the bell, you will get notified each time we upload a new one.
Things we used in this project:
Tools:
This is all the components of the router table. These are our links.
All Woodpeckers:
Router table top: amzn.to/40DNVEm
Router lift: amzn.to/3HyOEO9
Router table stand: amzn.to/3JzMfFM
Router table fence: amzn.to/3HVlxWG
Router motor: amzn.to/3X28PtI
On/off switch: amzn.to/3YpYMjl
Thor’s Hammer Woodworking Mallet: kingsfinewoodworking.com/coll...
Push Block Set - amzn.to/3DvgyJX
Grizzly Jointer - amzn.to/3j09TAk
Grizzly Planer - amzn.to/3x2v20l
Microjig Grr-Ripper Table Saw Pushblock - amzn.to/3XQ7I1y
Grizzly Cabinet Table Saw - amzn.to/3wXwzo1
BOSCH 12 Inch Sliding Glide Miter Saw - amzn.to/3j331SU
Kreg Trak and Stops Kit - amzn.to/3ZVgnkB
Kreg Self-Adhesive Measuring Tape - amzn.to/3DGNpLU
Porter-Cable Dovetail Jig - amzn.to/3HwUJLc
Dewalt Bar Clamp - amzn.to/3Rgtzgd
Dewalt Router - amzn.to/3wKby0g
1/4" Shank Dovetail Router Bit Set - amzn.to/3X5Tl7Q
Rockler Wood Glue Applicator Set - amzn.to/3ws9Ctc
Rockler Silicone Glue Kit - amzn.to/3HXbbWs
Dewalt Bar Clamp - amzn.to/3Rgtzgd
1/4" Shank Rabbet Router Bit - amzn.to/3laZoLr
Grizzly 12" Disc Sander - amzn.to/3wsbjH4
Grizzly Bandsaw - amzn.to/3XUUobR
Ridgid 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander - amzn.to/3JefhdM
Hand Sanding Block - amzn.to/3Rnsx1F
CMT 8-Piece Dovetail & Straight Bit Set - lddy.no/1etmb
Respirator - amzn.to/3Iib0VR
Respirator Cartridge - amzn.to/3RVL1Ha
Material:
Titebond III Glue - amzn.to/3wvDDIh
CA Glue with Activator Bundle - amzn.to/3XnHp1q
Sandpaper Set 5-Inch - amzn.to/3Wygb7S
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
As a Taylor Toolworks Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Link to the KFW Community Woodworking group. Share pictures of your work & get help if needed. Join our Community Page. Woodworkers helping other woodworkers. Share advice, get project ideas. Free tips. Insider information. Get the best deals on lumber & tools: / kingsfinewoodworkingco...
Help support us through Patreon: / kingsfinewoodworking
Purchase plans on our website: kingsfinewoodworking.com/coll...
Please like and share our videos. Thank You!
We love teaching the world to do woodworking.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Share pictures of your work & get help if needed. Join our King’s Fine Woodworking Community Page. Woodworkers helping other woodworkers. Share advice, get project ideas. Free tips. Insider information. Get the best deals on lumber & tools. m.facebook.com/groups/134828903893994

[@donbergeron9553]

Great video! Very easy to follow. Time for me to buy a jig. You make it look easy!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thanks Don! There is a link to the exact one I use in the description. If you get it, and try, but get stuck, you email me, and I’ll walk you through it. ~James

[@thomasenriquez6840]

Hm

[@ruskell100]

Jim. Great video's...BUT YOU NEED TO GET YOUR DAUGHTERS SOME MANICURES BECAUSE THEIR NAILS LOOK TERRIBLE.. JUST SAYIN

[@samuelfletcher8232]

@@thomasenriquez6840 hi hi

[@ddbt827]

I am 83 years old ,and just took up woodworking a year ago ,have purchased most all the tools I need ,and watched many ,many videos on woodworking ,but I have to say you are the greatest ,I love the way you take the time to explain as you go.I just subscribed to your site ,and will be a constant watcher from this day forward ,I have the same dovetail jig as you and am going to watch your tutorial on through dovetails right now ,thank you for what you do ,and keep up the good work, Dave Thomas

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Dave. That is very kind. Thank you!

[@Lukenukkem]

@35:29, very cute photo bomber. What a lucky dad to have such a beautiful family. Thanks for all those cool videos.

[@louissmith647]

This will be a great Xmas gift for my granddaughter. Thank you.

[@NotThatMattNagy]

I watched no fewer than a dozen videos on how to use dovetail jigs before I stumbled upon this one. By far the best. Thanks!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Matt. Thank you!

[@anthonyrmay1502]

Thank You very much indeed. My dovetail jig has lain unused for 50 years. Ain't divorce grand. Your explanation is so clear compared to others and explains what to use when one has lost the cutting blade assemblies which fitted an electric drill.

[@jerrypowell784]

I’m just getting into wood working. You are the most extraordinary woodworking person I have ever seen. All your work I have seen had a Lotta detail and look very very nice. I wish I would be able to work with you for about a week doing project. My grand daughter wants me to make her a rocking chair. This is one of my goals. Oh I love your work.

[@michaelbeard3192]

Awhile back I commented on your dovetail jig project that you should be a teacher. You commented back laughing that your background was teaching. Hot damn, your doing a masters program. Outstanding!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you very much, Michael!

[@jimbol8695]

Sunday morning coffee with the King family....Nice treat. I enjoyed it. Thanks

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Good morning Jimbo! Thank you very much!

[@mamabearssheshedtracykeato6941]

That truly is a beautiful box! Whoever ends up with it, will be the luckiest person ever! Beautiful project!

[@lucagiuranno5380]

Hey, I'm from Brazil, but I'm staying in the US till the end of the year, and I really wanted this keepsake to give to my great grandmother for her birthday, she turns 92 on October 3rd, so it would be a very nice gift for her to put her antique jewlery. Thanks very much for your work, I love your channel and woodworking, I started woodworking a couple of years ago when I was 15.

[@jimmyvickery3366]

Your girls do this like a pro. Very nice work

[@nickkropat8857]

I love the long format videos - thank you for taking the time to make them! The longer videos and your very clear instruction make me feel like I get to have some of the apprenticeship experience that I have never had the chance to have in person :D

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Nick. Thank you very much!

[@michaell7877]

Great job my friends. Nice you have the girls learning wood working too. My 11 yr old daughter and 14 yr old son are learning too.

[@anthonychavez3742]

I just got my Porter Cable dovetail jig the other day and yesterday was a very unsuccessful day with it, this morning I seen this video and let me tell you I was so happy that you're explaining step by step has your building the Box, what a great video so I subscribed to your Channel thank you.

[@tomroe4857]

Probably the most complete and clearest woodworking video I've ever viewed.

[@billtipton6660]

Hi James, Thank you for helping me better understand how to develop needed skills for working wood! I love how your daughters are included in your projects - you go girls! James, brother you’re the best! Thanks again

[@robertolavalliere1223]

I’ve been interested in wood working for a long time. I have never immersed myself since work and family matters have always been priority. Now that I have lost my parents and my job, I have much too much time on my hands. I started watching theses videos on youtube, not just woodworking, to past time. Manly P. Hall, lecturer, and Paul Sellers have captivated me. I mentioned Manly P. Hall because of his content, of course, but mainly for his cadence and tone. You and Paul Sellers are the best woodworking instructors i’ve seen. You show and tell the important and necessary and don’t fill with too much fluff. I get so inspired that I am going to start collecting the essentials so I can start working on wood myself. Still out of a job it will take a while but i’ll get there. I love the way your daughters help you. They are learning valuable skills that can be applied to life... Man, you must spend a lot of money on glue! Just my frail attempt at humor. Looking forward to more of your videos.

[@halken007]

another great video James thanks a lot from the UK

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@williampugh6699]

I’ve been making a lot of boxes lately and you made me get out my dove tail jig and make a few boxes with this type of joint.

[@eckhardkoehler3013]

wish I could thumbs up again. a great refresher on dovetails!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you my friend!!

[@frankingram3382]

All of the boxes looked great from Papa Bear all the way through the littlest bear. God Bless my friend.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you Frank.

[@DoubleJayAlum1]

Nice work James. I"m a fan of the level of detail you always provide. As a father of two daughters, I'm especially fond of how you've managed to get and keep your daughters interested in woodworking with their dad.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Tom! Thank you!

[@svsoleil3255]

Ha haa...ahhh...yes, the Glue Gods will be pleased!!!! Your videos are great sir!...thanks for your work and sharing the knowledge..

[@tomtimmons4589]

By far, the best dovetail tutorial I've ever seen. Thanks.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Tom! Thank you very much! I hope you will come back later and check out some of my other Online Class videos. ~James

[@briancharles1105]

Great video on the keep-safe box. There's so much clarity when you explain how its built, rather on all your wood working project that i have seen. I have been looking at your videos for near two years. I am not a full-time wood worker and more often engaged in the production of local mill lumber. However there's an unwavering interest in starring my own wood working. I would really appreciate winning some thing made by you.

[@briancharles1105]

"Starting" ...correction

[@stopandthinknow]

Instilling confidence and clear understanding in woodworking.

[@chrisgriego549]

Very nice. I enjoy your style. And I think is cute that you have a photo-bomber in your shop. I also really enjoy the fact that your girls join you in the shop. Good luck with your endeavor.

[@jamesmaitino9581]

Watching you more each day. Thanks

[@chrisolson3293]

Excellent video again, no Facebook but good luck to those that can enter

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

I will put your name in the pool for the box giveaway. Thank you for watching.

[@OtherThanIntendedPurpose]

I really like that you include your daughters in your woodworking. this is time well spent, because they will remember this for the rest of their lives hanging out with dad, and enjoying the time, as well as learning something that they can pass on to their kids. good on ya. but I think you needed a little more glue there ;P

[@w4baham]

Glad you took the time to show how you set up the Dovetail Jig.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thanks for watching!

[@kenpoloschan4693]

Your humidors are quite beautiful. Puts any cigar aficionado in a class of their own. Keep up the great work!

[@MrGottmusik]

What a wonderful and calm video. Thank you very much for your posts.

[@ronstark1927]

Beautiful box you are a teacher of craftsmanship and art

[@iktomepirate]

i enjoy your videos and commentary; i especially like how your family is involved

[@derekdodson5623]

Thanks, James. Beautiful family.

[@raymondjoseph7177]

Just have to stay thank you. Bought a dovetail jig today and was having a major hard time. All others videos are not as informative as your step by step. I think tomorrow I'll have it nailed. No pun intended, thanks again.

[@raymondjoseph7177]

It all came together nicely. Once this test up is good its on to making another one with nicer wood. In so happy with your channel i bought the plans for it. Thanks again, you're the best.

[@ladykenja2700]

- Thanx for the clear, concise set up for dovetails. I've always gotten totally frustrated & given up on them but feel much more confident after your video. Effective teaching is being able to convey information in a meaningful way & you "kicked it up a notch." Thanx again.

[@II-ql8ow]

Awesome I just started watching. I enjoy learning woodworking with you and your family. At 62 I barely remember woodshop classes in High School but I know it was something I enjoyed. Watching your channel has rekindled a Passion I had growing up. Thank You very much

[@FrymanJack]

This is great! I got a used dovetail jig and had no idea how to set it up. Also nice glue sacrifice to the glue gods hahahaha

[@russellvanhouzen8956]

Very nice video. Also, a greater project for my grandkids to help work on . Thanks and good to you in your full time job!

[@lilmoose6456]

Enjoyed your tutorial very much. The box also turned out beautiful.

[@alexdroban4312]

Nice project. Your instruction using the dovetail jig is great. Thank you.

[@jimrow6704]

Cool video! Making a box for dad's ashes and this was helpful. Great looking family. Thanks for all the videos.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Sorry for your loss. And thank you for the kind comments. ❤️

[@viscache1]

Don’t know if I’m in time...but doggon! That box is fine!

[@jerryrathbone2168]

I liked the detailed instructions on using the porter cable dovetail jig.

[@davehernandez4177]

Finally! A detailed video I can understand. Great video, audio, explanation. Clear and to the point. Thank you for being you bro.

[@billbascone6517]

Thanks James for all the video's, I've learned so much and I appreciate all your fine work.

[@rayatlast]

You have a very lovely family , God bless you all.

[@jamesbradham3072]

Your dove tail jig video was good and now I know how to use that jig.

[@terencelovejoy8423]

Great Video James and just beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

[@mdavies441]

Beautiful box. Love seeing the girls in the shop working!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you very much! We all really enjoy it.

[@HansHoffmeister]

Great video! Best tutorial of the PortaCable Dovetail system out there, seen a lot of them. Love that you always have your daughters working with you in the shop.

[@Helioxist]

It's great to hear that you'll be putting out videos more frequently, I'm looking forward to them. Thanks!

[@Bravo_Kilo_Kilo]

Thanks so much for the tutorial on how to use the Porter Cable jig. It was so helpful.

[@ATFVicksburg]

Excited about weekly tutorial vids! Also I'm always forgetting to check KZbin so it's really convenient when you post on Facebook! It's because of you and other KZbin woodworkers that aspired me to start woodworking. FYI your also the reason I decided to go with grizzly over manufacturers. I'm really excited for what's to come and I love how you incorporate your family into your business it speaks volume about your character. I wish you nothing but the best in this new chapter of your life!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you so much for all the kind words and the good wishes. I'm sure you will have great fun with your woodworking. You should post some pictures on the facebook page sometime and I'll put it a gallery I'm building on our website.

[@richarddelaney7115]

James, I am totally impressed with your tutorial on using dove tail jig. I have had a jig for at least 10 years😀

[@richarddelaney7115]

I pushed the send by mistake before I was finished. What I wanted to say was that you taught me more with this video on this jig than any other KZbinr. Thank you so much. I don't feel like I wasted my money on buying this jig, "So Thanks!"

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Richard! That's awesome. And thank you!

[@seantalbot3178]

Inspirational, as always! Thank you James. Wishing you the best as you grow from strength to strength.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Sean. Thank you!

[@johnwinn4213]

You are a very fortunate man to have the interest and involvement of your family in your passion . I say passion because it is evident in the skill and commitment to detail . Also you are a teacher of wood craft evidenced by the great work by the girls . May you have success in your new venture . By the way you have convinced me to purchase a box joint jig , I only hope I can produce as quality as you have . Once again hope you have much success with the You Tube John Winn

[@wushunsupacycle]

Thank you James and family for all of the detailed videos. It's such a great resource for a new woodworker like me.

[@Damon_Barber]

That’s GORGEOUS! And thank you for the dovetail tutorial as well!

[@cds957]

I finally decided to get back in to wood working, I really enjoyed watching this, ...Thanks really nice video.👍

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@garysemley293]

Not being funny, but I'm quite new to woodworking, picked up from my dad who made grandfather clocks for his friends, (JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT), and sitting here watching your video, I was sat with my mouth almost wide open in awe of what you can do. I am very impressed with this video, not only in terms of what you can do, but also in terms of the clarity of your tutorial. Thank you James. Think your name is James (hope it is James!!!). It's like watching my (sadly deceased) dad, and just as educational.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Gary! It is James. I bet your Dad was an amazing woodworker to be able to build grandfather clocks. Thank you so much for the kind complement. ~James

[@kenpederson7047]

Just got the 2416 Porter Cable and found your link. Watched a number of different ones on dovetails and didn't understand every thing about it. Then I watched yours and now know I have a good handle on the process. Thanks Ken

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Ken, awesome. Thank you!

[@BryanCollette]

These boxes turned out amazing - nice work!!!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Bryan, thank you very much.

[@JohnDunn1969]

James very nice the boxes look great have a great week. John

[@MccaneWoodcrafts]

That padauk is absolutely gorgeous!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thanks Frank. It is certainly one of my favorites.

[@fredkesler95]

Besides being a tremendously skilled woodworker you are obviously a great father. My goodness, I think I counted five daughters! You are a gentle soul and have gained my admiration. I have learned a lot from you and enjoy your teaching manner. I am a retired Idaho teacher and know good teaching when I see it - you have it! God Bless.

[@sabahkattan985]

Thanks a lot for this video, it is very clear and enjoying to watch. All the best

[@kierandoyle955]

A. Very talented family and very cool box

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@cthompson658]

Thanks, James. After watching I finally pulled the trigger. I ordered a jig. Great tutorial!

[@gdpjm]

If you haven’t already, could you do a video on mounting hinges? Maybe some little tricks to get everything to line up properly. I like the way you include your daughters. I’m sure It would be much faster and easier to do yourself, but that’s not how young people learn.

[@larrythompson4489]

Very good video. You have a good voice for making these, clear easy to understand and not tiring to listen to. I have been listening to several of these trying to decide dhich brand to buy. You have helped make up my mind. You have made the PC jig appear to be very user friendly plus the cost is appreciated when looking at the other major brands. Thank you.

[@NikaBoyce]

I learned so much! Thank you... lovely boxes and family!

[@bryanvoss11]

Congrats on going full time. Thanks again for all the detail in your video!

[@keiththrelkeld5890]

Very nice box. Very good job on your box and love you do your presentation

[@barstad-9591]

They are all so beautiful! I’ve never seen flame paduke; it’s so unique and awesome.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you. It was the first time we had used that particular grain pattern as well. I have been using Padauk for 30 years and never saw the flame grain pattern until we bought that piece. ~James

[@DougOrr]

Great video still learning more every time i watch.

[@Nikonforever11]

This is an awesome project. When I get settled in my new house I can't wait to make projects like this

[@justinboykins7493]

One of my favorite videos to date. I absolutely love how long they are, and that you go through every step in real time. It really helps when I try to copy the things you are doing. Keep up the good work and keep the amazing videos coming!!!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

That is very kind of you to say. Thank you very much!

[@alexcaruana7579]

First time observing your class, loved it very informative.

[@murdog04]

First Class video as always James! The box is beautiful. I love, love, love your choices of wood!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you very much!

[@kentmatlack5745]

Just bought a P&C Jig. watched a few video's, this was excellent and will help me with my first item. Thanks.

[@richardireland6477]

Just like watching you it is so nice showing your children how to work with you they will keep up all your good knowledge in your Workshop me

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@cliffhampshire2744]

I think you do awesome work I like seeing your videos of all the projects you do.

[@kenshelton1329]

I liked the thoroughness of the tutorial

[@BobOdle]

James, thank you so much for your work (and your daughters too!) This was the EXACT video I was looking for. I am making my mother-in-law a blanket chest and wanted to delve into dovetail joints, something I have yet to attempt in my woodworking adventures. I want to use through joints for the aesthetics. I searched and found about a dozen videos to help me; however, most of the videos emphasize half-blind joints for making drawers. Yours, as always, was precisely what I needed for my project. I even went to my local supplier and purchased the Porter Cable 4212 Dovetail Jig as used in your video. I have watched your video more than once and am heading to the shop to try it on some scrap wood (the end cuts from my project so the same thickness). I will update this comment with the finished result. Before I make the plunge I wanted to once again thank you for your excellent teaching. Very clear, very plain, and very east to follow. You da best man!

[@rogercowart2493]

I loved watching this video and listening to your narration. So cool that your daughters are involved. This has to be so rewarding and mentally heathy. Thanks again for sharing!! 👍😉

[@davidgochenour7072]

Beautiful. You are my favorite KZbin channel. I love that you are stepping into a new realm. Good luck I. This venture and I am looking forward to more lessons from you.

[@eketelon]

James, thanks for all your sharing of knowledge and inspiration! Your work is beautiful and only pales to your family relationships. I really enjoy how they always play a part in your work. God bless.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

That is very kind. Thank you!

[@Patricksworkshop]

Fantastic video lesson James . and the box looks so great too i love the contrast of the woods

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Patrick! Just messaged you back on Facebook a minute ago, I've been checking out your videos, while answering some questions here. :-)

[@1717jono]

Great job as always James. Thank you for all your time and inspiring videos

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Jono. Thank you very much

[@billbender6926]

Very helpful video. I’ve always avoided dovetails, now I’m encouraged to try them. Thanks!

[@unsunghero72]

Thanks James and family for all your videos. Just purchased the miter station plans and excited to get started.

[@gXXrGoNe]

I think others have pointed it out in different ways but, you have a talent at making an informative video entertaining enough that time flies by. 37 min is a long KZbin video but I never once tapped the screen to see how much longer before it was over. Perfect pace and awesome production.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you very much!

[@carbonitegamorrean8368]

Great looking watches and no one can have enough beautiful wood boxes.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

I completely agree with you.

[@Chadcs1]

Very good video. Loved it. No Facebook here. I like the idea of "You make a box.. You make a box.... We all make a box :)"

[@robmcclurg8317]

Very clear demo. I’m looking forward to seeing more, as I’m newly retired and anxious to add your techniques and tricks to my tool belt.

[@stanshort2608]

Very clear instruction and easy to follow, Thankyou!