The Art of Dovetailing: A Guide to Cutting Interlocking Joints by Hand or Machine

A dovetailer is a machine tool used in woodworking to cut a series of interlocking "tails" and "pins" on the end grain of two pieces of wood, allowing them to be joined together with great strength and accuracy. The term "dovetailer" can also refer to the joint itself, which is characterized by the interlocking tails and pins.

Dovetail joints are commonly used in furniture making, particularly for drawer construction, as they provide a strong and secure connection between the drawers and the cabinet or drawer frame. The process of cutting dovetails by hand is time-consuming and requires a high degree of skill and precision, but the end result is a beautiful and functional joint that can last for many years.

In modern times, dovetailers have been replaced by more efficient and precise machine tools, such as computer numerical control (CNC) machines, which can cut dovetails quickly and accurately with minimal effort. However, many woodworkers still prefer to cut dovetails by hand, as it allows them to maintain greater control over the process and achieve a more personalized result.