How to make a Half-Lap Dovetail | Paul Sellers

[@Paul.Sellers]

We've added English subtitles to this video. We work hard to reach as many people around the world and help them learn woodworking. We need your help to translate our videos subtitles to your language and progress our work. Please contribute translations here: kzbin.info_cs_panel?tab=2&c=UCc3EpWncNq5QL0QhwUNQb7w

[@B.Natesan]

I will help for to translate to tamil language when time permits

[@gregh7632]

Thank you for putting yourself and your skills out there for everyone! I don't normally comment on things like this, but you have reached 3 generations of woodworkers in my family! You have reached more people than you could ever imagine. You have left a great legacy and we thank you!

[@materiasacra]

Heart-stopping moment at 27:30, when the wood starts to split!

[@estudiohayabusa]

That's what happens when someone teaches bad techniques....

[@Tampo-tiger]

My goodness, if only my schooldays had been spent immersed in woodwork with a teacher like Paul, instead of trying to learn about the gross domestic product of Baffin Island, or running around freezing or baking trying to play football or rugby or rounders, all of which I loathed. Advice to youngsters at school: follow your passion, and don't be persuaded to learn something which bores you! This sort of pastime, complete with an extremely gifted teacher, is very close to being a magical experience. It's so absorbing that I disappear into it for ages, and then cant wait to get out to my garage and try to develop these wonderful skills. I'm so grateful to you Paul for providing such joy.

[@keithfrost1190]

Sometimes, for the benefit of ourselves and mankind, we have to learn lessons we don't like. Furthermore, we might learn to love them. Who knows?

[@shanehertzog5812]

I like Paul’s timeless hand chisel work. I have a go cutting dovetails and watch Paul he is excellent.

[@drazium2147]

I wish that I had you as my year 7 and 8 wood working teacher in high school!

[@crispinbannerman637]

That is the tightest fit, crispest edged dove tail I have ever seen. Well done

[@danielu1763]

Dude, you make that look easy. Using sight, feel, and sound to create precision. It’s beautiful work!

[@robertabate3617]

Thank you very much Paul. I love the fact that you don't have The stop watch going on the screen to prove that you are the Usian Bolt of dove tailing. I also love that you are using tools well within our reach monetarily; I've tuned up a 105 year old stanley plane I got for 10$ and it works as well as the Lie Nielsen I once owned.

[@mark-d9k9b]

It's sooo good that you also show us how to recover when things start to go wrong (at 27:30). Those are by far the best learning moments! Thank you for these amazing videos.

[@wizardwillbonner]

I know this is from 3yrs ago. But with the patience of Job you go through that piece of hardwood as if it were Balsawood. Watching you work is like watching my German grandfather building musical jewelry box. The care and attention to each grain is astounding! He also always told me " You have to listen to what the wood is telling you!" If you are reading this, I now understand what he was saying to me at 10. Thank you, for all you do!

[@ryanjones2576]

A master artisan at work. I'm always amazed how easy you make it look Paul. After cutting a few half blind dovetails by hand with good to fair results, I watched this a few times during my next attempt. The last joint I cut was my best ever, but still not as pristine as yours. Thank you for your videos and sharing your knowledge with us.

[@michaelbaykara2322]

Your hand technique is flawless

[@learitee444]

*Superb, how could anyone not like or appreciate this video-tutorial.*

[@thefleetfarmer1815]

Hands down BEST woodworking video on KZbin, actually anywhere on the internet, Paul’s passion for woodworking is contagious

[@MikeJowsey]

" I think the end result will be worth the fight". Term of the Month! Ambition defined. @ 29:55 Thank you, it was most certainly worth the fight. Exceptional result.

[@MarktheAirsoftPrimate]

Paul Sellers is the Bob Ross of wood workers

[@kevinweaver4265]

always a pleasure to see a Master at work!

[@tj4bats100]

Mr. Sellers I am 57 years old and I’m starting a woodworking business. Many years ago I worked out of my garage doing small woodworking projects but nothing with dovetails. I have been watching your videos for sometime and you are very talented I hope to learn much more from you thank you for this video.

[@PathinAZ]

Beautiful. I'm just getting into woodworking, and dovetails is certainly a goal. I've always been the type to find a faster way to do things, but watching you definitely shows me that with joinery, patients is a virtue. Listen to the wood, sneak up on the line...very inspiring, thanks.

[@perrych2012]

Paul, you are amazing. It looks so easy but...! I am aware that your tools are so, so sharp but your ability to cut so square must be a mixture of pure talent and years of practice. I know the theory of sharpening and chiselling but my eye and hand seem to want to work quite independently - you just inspire me to keep trying. Thank you.

[@ROSSSANCHEZJR]

Good Morning from Virginia Beach Paul. Love your teachings. Your methods are enjoyable to watch.

[@andrewkotula9975]

I could watch you work all day long. Simply amazing.

[@tagi3d]

Ahhhh perfect way to unwind after a solid day of study. Speaking of perfect, perfect result!

[@BryanCoombes]

Man that is satisfying watching Paul tap that in place. Sure would have to be confident in your plane adjustment to scrub the finished face like that! awesome.

[@pantelisnikolaou6956]

Such a perfect fit! Thank you for sharing Mr. Sellers! I can watch this for hours!

[@simplyawsome918]

Amazing! What a craftsman. Only God could cut a more perfect dovetail! I thank God you followed your passion.

[@sooth15]

Nice! The beauty of this method is that the small rebate on the inside hides any potential irregularities on the interior corner.

[@Damienjking]

JC and the rebate makes marking the tails on the pin board muuuuch easier. Without the rebate it can slide and mess up ur layout. Def worth the extra minutes to put it in.

[@Kevsadone]

Thank you, Mr. Sellers, for sharing your craft with the world. I have learned so much from you. Greetings from Michigan USA.

[@1337pimpable]

amazing muscle memory this is the first time i see a half-lap dovetail made so quick

[@jporterfield]

Magnificent. I really didn't think it would fit but your finesse made it happen.

[@Paul.Sellers]

Thank you.

[@matthewwysocki5019]

Beautiful work! Patience equals precision.

[@KnowArt]

I'll just re-comment to support your amazing craftsmanship.

[@2253glen]

A master at the height of his craft. Always a pleasure.

[@stevenwoughter6004]

I always look forward to your videos....keep up the good work! I use them to teach my 11 year old grandson woodworking....you are a much more patient teacher than I am! Thank you for your excellence!

[@mykidsdad9]

Paul you are a truly gifted artist. It never gets old watching such talent and craftsmanship. I thought I could do this also but abandoned the idea by the time you said my wood had to be square. HAHA I can always dream. Thank you.

[@thomasarussellsr]

I got your master class book (1&2) and it is just about as hard to put down as it is to pause your videos. mesmerizing is the only way to describe either. Well done!

[@GregTardif]

this is so in depth it helped answer a lot of questions. Thank you for sharing your gift

[@chrisbirkitt706]

stunning craftsmanship also stunningly filmed very very clear all the way. thank you Paul.

[@SwearingenTurnings]

Paul, I love watching your videos. I recently moved and am slowly setting up my new woodshop; I will be moving more towards hand tool use in the future. You're helping me go in that direction. I've learned a LOT from you. Cheers from Maryland, USA.

[@Damienjking]

Jason Swearingen , I made the switch to hand tools in 2012 when I discovered Paul and have never looked back. Enjoy woodworking 10x more than when I was operating machinery. For me Paul's teachings and the true woodworking he's taught me have been a life-changer. Give it a solid chance and u may feel like u have discovered something entirely different. Stay close to Paul's teachings and I would bet it will give u fulfillment like U have never known. Good luck.

[@brianmckay1256]

Im a recent subscriber, have been watching you lesson till 4 in the morning some nights. I get really excited with what your doing, and inspired. Im ex army, i also make Scottish small pipes. Ill be making a tool cabinet for my tools, studly ish. I was also watching you make a chisel handle. When i mount ferrels to my pipes i get the size just over sized, by about a thou then heat up the ferrule and push it on. Stayes on for life Just a thought You may be interested to know that when we built the Iron Bridge, up there in Telford. You can just make out the break from Joinery to metal, as when that was built we only knew about wood joints. The bridge is mainly joined with mortice and tennons and dove tails, and scal joints, amongst all sorts. Not very well know about really but its worth a trip just to see the wooden joinery techniques being applied to the iron.

[@stevenmaduri917]

Wanted to thank you for everything. You taught me to take my time, relax, and use all five senses while honing my joinery. You sir are truly inspirational!!

[@stuartosborne6263]

That was just wonderful to watch, thankyou Paul.

[@cocolonger]

Thank you sir, I have learnt a good deal from watching you doing fine woodworking, the sharing of it makes you an even better teacher than you may think. great videos!

[@sweedish9184]

The Bob Ross of woodworking

[@goognamgoognw6637]

haha so true !

[@steveforrester2217]

What can one say? Absolute perfection. Thank you for your inspiring all us wood butchers. One day maybe!

[@johnswan9123]

Amazing; super clean work and accurate hands.

[@kenowens2706]

I learned a lot from this video. I now know what to do when the grain starts to force the chisel away from the knife wall. Great, save. You can't get that from a book.

[@salz118]

I thoroughly enjoyed your inspiring video. I am just learning how to sharpen my chisels. Once I am done with that, I will attempt handcut dovetails. Thank you so much!

[@Canalcoholic]

That’s how he got me, I only wanted to learn how to sharpen a chisel but in the next year I must have watched all of his videos and changed from a power tool carpenter to a hand tool woodworker.

[@julioalvarado2387]

Amazing skills! Thanks for this video. Super helpful!

[@vincenzorita3802]

I love this video...This is the heart of woodworking to me!

[@sarg141]

You Sir, Are fantastic. Thank you for sharing your craft with your video's..

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Awesome tutorial, as always!

[@welshman100]

The last picture was pure art.

[@Paul.Sellers]

Hello All, there was a previous version temporarily published which some of you may have seen. Unfortunately there is no way to transfer your comments, so feel free to re-comment if necessary. Thank you for your patience.

[@ryanjones2576]

Mr Sellers, which dovetail saw are you using in your video? I just recently picked up a Veritas 20tpi dovetail saw and I've been quite happy with it and wondering what you were using.

[@MrWoody135]

Top tips, great patience as always.

[@imortaldeadead]

Thank you for another great lesson in working with wood 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@brianpeterson3752]

Absolutely incredible precision!

[@genin69]

Hi Paul, Absolutely love the way you teach with such grace and a kind heart. I would love a video discussing the different joints, mortise and tenons, dowels.. what their strengths are, where to use them, are their specific joints to use when doing a table vs doing a chest of drawers.? thanks so much from South Africa

[@biomcanx1]

Thank you Paul for another great video!

[@andydelarue9344]

Wow does that look good. And you make it look so easy Thank you very much for posting

[@TimothyHall13]

Wow! Gorgeous joint!

[@frankcornfield5915]

Great instructional video combined with first-class videography and editing. Looks like a three-camera setup?

[@jeanpierreragequit1726]

Très bon travail !! Great job !!

[@Pendragonau]

A great video really helpful and easy and clear to understand thank you very much for it

[@thecordlesscarpenter7956]

masterful as always, thanks Paul for the continued inspiration!

[@paulescobedo1122]

Excellent wood work

[@lesdrinkwater490]

Skill that is a joy to watch

[@kparker1145]

Bringin' back the Renaissance!

[@ThatRagamuffin]

Good grief, that joint is gorgeous...

[@ojtrumpet]

Love all your work, Paul! Btw, I saw an idea in another video on YT. To get down where the saw does not reach, he used a scrape and a mallet.

[@ojtrumpet]

Here is one example. Rob Cosman. He calls it "Half-blind dovetail kerf extender". kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGW2aqCeaJt5hLc

[@kathleenzimmerman8227]

Perfection... as always ;-) You are a true Master!

[@nico8273]

God, this is so calm and soothing! JESUS

[@jamesoxford4260]

He makes it look so easy...

[@BDM_PT]

Hi there from Portugal, Nice info :D Obrigado(Thanks) Master P.Sellers and Team.

[@aleblanc3547]

Beautifully done.

[@fieroboom]

Masterfully perfect, as usual. 😍👍

[@FeuerScull]

Thanks for the fine explanation and the Video frame rate bump.

[@PatrickKanatzer]

Amazing work. Thank you for sharing.

[@ЗверьМонстр-с4о]

Обожаю такие серии! Спасибо!

[@pidgeonpost]

The idea of cutting a rebate on the internal face of the side pieces is an excellent one Paul. It makes for a very neat internal corner. I haven't yet come across one of your videos that shows all the stages of constructing a drawer; is there one please? I'm curious to know at what stage (and how) you cut the slots for the drawer bottom, and how you incorporate the drawer bottom with the drawer back. Many thanks!

[@Paul.Sellers]

Paul will make a video at some point for making and fitting a drawer so stay tuned for that. - Team Paul

[@pasqualemandara]

Maestro, as always!!!

[@brianmiller9365]

Excellent. Thank you.

[@Arco326]

beautiful joint !

[@riaz1555]

beautiful...a true artisan

[@lukemontgomery40]

This is wonderful. Really amazing quality. How long does should it take to make this dovetail joint in a day to day operation? Should you plan 30 minutes per joint? I’m new starting out and feel defeated at how long it is taking? Your video show how time consuming it is and I’m concerned if it takes 30 minutes I should have thought of a different joint.

[@christopherneelyakagoattmo6078]

That joint is so pretty: it is like wooden jewelry.

[@usageorgepa.3293]

Only in my dreams...lol..That would take me 3 hours, never look as good either..But on the bright side I'd have plenty of kindling for next winters wood stove start ups.

[@TaylerMade]

i love the way you describe the process of working wood. when i trained my old gaffer (he was old and now so am i lol) taught me to offset the sides a few mil lower than the front, then to plane that offset on the sides to set the reveal on the front in the bottom of the drawer space. he also taught me to make the width on the back of the drawer a few mil shorter than the front so it would slide easier with ever binding. your thoughts on that please.

[@c.armandon4270]

Excelente lo disfrute!!!!

[@garymccoy2888]

Just amazing. Thanks.

[@More-Space-In-Ear]

I wonder how many turns has the visa handle done over the years??…got to be in the tens of thousands by now 🤔😊

[@RGRGJKK]

Thanks paul great video , you are the bestest :)

[@elmahdielmahdi6895]

*FANTASTIC*

[@bendamaazanfirei6662]

Hello Paul, my name is Daniel and I lives un Oxford. I have been working as a carpenter-woodcarving for few years and you are making me love my profession even more, your way to work is just Amazing! thank You for your lessons they are very helpful. could You tell me from where can I buy the same diamonds sharpening stone that you use? Many thanks!

[@Paul.Sellers]

We are neighbours, 8 miles away. Go to EZE-Lap UK

[@bendamaazanfirei6662]

thank you very much! I'm going to cheek it today. Only 8 miles? Hope to see you around and take some lessons from you. :)

[@adrianellis4497]

I think the key to woodwork is first to enjoy, second to respect what's gone before you, and thirdly accept repetition will hone skills eventually. Just remember the next time you look at exquisite antiques they didn't have Lie Neilson planes, or Festool electric wonder weapons, they had chisels hand saws and patience and a catalogue of passed down techniques and skills from those before them?

[@738polarbear]

I never see Paul use a skew chisel ever . I wonder why not .

[@cosyg1379]

Stunning

[@bfflorida2311]

Greetings from Florida. .. First of all huge thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience with us, what a huge honor. .. does anyone make any attachments for the router, such as extentions to one side to provide more contact surface when working on the edges? or what is good trick to keep router parallel to the surface, thank you

[@Damienjking]

BF Florida Paul now has a mortise and tenon video I think where he talks about attaching a 1/4" wooden base the the router plane to span larger gaps. Very worthwhile. Also, the trick is to anchor one hand with lots of pressure and rotate the router plane into the cut with a swinging motion. Again, check Paul's aforementioned video. From that video u can also learn a method of getting the most amazingly perfect mortise and tenon joints. Good luck.

[@anthonyromano8565]

Very nice indeed.