Drawer Making: Dovetails and Drawer Locks
George Vondriska
Class Preview
2:16:18
- In-depth Instruction; over 137 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Session 1: Getting Started
9:30
What’s the big deal with dovetails and drawer locks? Why do they make such great drawer corners? There are a variety of reasons, and we’ll explain those reasons to you. And, we’ll let you know what you need in your shop to cut these joints.
Session 2: Setting Up and Using a Dovetail Jig
50:01
Here are the ins and outs of setting up and using a half-blind dovetail jig. Lubricating the jig, setting depth of cut, positioning the material, handling the router…each of these must be done correctly for good dovetails. No details are overlooked. We even show you where many woodworkers go wrong when making dovetails.
Session 3: Cutting Drawer Lock Joints
25:21
If you’ve got a dado head you have what you need to cut drawer lock joints on the table saw. Blade height and fence position are key to a good quality joint, and we provide you with everything you need for each step of the process. You’ll also learn the key to positioning the groove for the drawer bottom so that it’s hidden behind your dovetail joint.
Session 4: Drawer Joinery Alternatives
50:29
Want more joinery choices? Here they are. We’ll teach you to cut through dovetails on a router-based jig, along with all the required setup tips, and how to make drawer lock joints on the router table. Whether you use a slot-cutting bit or a task-specific drawer lock router bit, you’ll get the instruction you need.
Session 5: Class Summary
0:57
George wraps up this class with a reminder to practice the techniques you learned in the class to be better prepared for any future project that includes drawers. With a little practice, and attention to detail, you’ll be making drawers for all your projects that can withstand use and abuse, and will stand up through the test of time.
Imagine the number of opening and closing cycles a drawer sees in its lifetime. Not only are people constantly pulling and pushing on drawer boxes, in most cases drawers are loaded with heavy stuff. Especially in your shop. That’s a lot of abuse. If you’re taking the time to make a drawer, take the time to make it right – and take this online video class to help you create superior drawers for any project.
Dovetails and drawer locks are time-tested joints for drawers. Using these types of joints will greatly reduce the likelihood of the joints on a drawer failing. Our “Drawer Making: Dovetails and Drawer Locks” woodworking instruction class teaches you must-have skills for these joints.
Half-Blind Dovetails
Half-blind dovetails are commonly used for drawers, and many people look for this joint as a sign of craftsmanship. This video instructional class teaches you how to set up and use a router-based jig. Jigs make dovetails easier than hand cutting, but there are many aspects of set-up that need to be done correctly in order for the jig to work correctly. This class provides many dovetail jig tips and tricks including lubricating the jig, aligning the drawer parts, setting bit depth, and handling the router.
Table Saw Drawer Locks
With a little practice and finesse, you can easily produce drawer lock joints on the table saw using a dado head. Once the blade height and fence position are correctly set, this is an incredibly fast way to make a solid joint, and cut the groove for the drawer bottom.
Joinery Alternatives
Like half-blinds, through dovetails require the correct setup. This video instruction will help you get a perfect fit. Drawer lock router bits may seem fussy to use, but not when you know the tricks this video class teaches you.
Your class Instructor George Vondriska brings many years of residential and commercial cabinet making and furniture making experience to you through this class. His easy-to-follow process and clear step-by-step instruction will help you to increase your confidence in making a better drawer, no matter what your next project is.
In addition to these key drawer making essentials in video form, this online class provides you with downloadable resources and helpful information to print and keep, including a detailed Class Guide you can follow for the key steps of the class instruction and source references for any specialized tools and material used in the class.
George Vondriska
Formally trained in technology education, George Vondriska has been teaching woodworking since 1986. He has been the managing editor of Woodworkers Guild of America since 2007. In addition to classes at his own Vondriska Woodworks School, George teaches at woodworking shows across the country and has taught woodworking for the Peace Corps, Andersen Window, Northwest Airlines and the Pentagon.
Bonus materials available after purchase
