Are dovetail joints still used?

The use of the joinery technique stretches back into prehistory, but its utility is still relevant. Today, dovetail joints are machine made, and that fact is what helps to pinpoint the age of the chest of drawers from the attic. Machine-made dovetails are thicker than graceful, asymmetrical hand-cut joints.

What are dovetails in furniture?

Dovetail refers to a type of joint in which two pieces of wood interlock. Joints that have been dovetailed are extremely strong and secure. They are usually used to construct drawers. Dovetail drawers are recognized by their distinct pattern at the outside corner of a drawer.

Do you need to glue dovetail joints?

Dovetail joints show the care and craftsmanship applied to woodworking projects. A few simple gluing and assembly tips make dovetail joint easier to put together. The glue can be applied while the pieces are completely separate, which is easier, but can be messy and difficult to fit joints together.

What does a dovetail drawer look like?

Dovetail drawers are secured together by a series of pins cut to extend from the end of one board interlock with a series of tails cut into the end of the other board. The pins and tails have a trapezoidal shape.