Spring 2025
May 31-June 1

In this two-day class, we'll introduce you to the techniques and steps to cut dovetails by hand, using a handsaw and chisels. This course is part of our Weekend Essentials series but may be taken separately. 

Dovetails teach you the basics of layout and markup. Using a handsaw to cut and a chisel to pare and chop, dovetails are easier to cut and fit than mortise and tenon joinery. There are tricks and tips to learn that make the process efficient and forgiving. You’ll go home ready to practice and improve your dovetail skills!

Through practice and repetition, in this class you'll learn:

• What is a dovetail

• How to layout dovetails

• How to saw to a line

• How to sharpen and maintain a chisel

• How to pare and chop to a line with a chisel

• How to make through and half blind dovetails

• The art of fitting dovetails

Tools 

There are no required tools for this course. PTSW provides tools at each workbench that are sharpened and ready for your use. If you have any bench chisels or a dovetail saw, please bring it with you to class. Although tools are available for use, we recommend getting familiar with your own tools. 

Prerequisites 

For beginners. There are no prerequisites for this course. However, this class focuses on precision sawing, and some experience in hand sawing will be immensely helpful. A good sequence would be to take the Weekend Essentials: Handsaws course first.

Class Information and Registration

Class runs from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday and Sunday in Building 315 at Fort Worden. Map
Please read our What to Expect page for general information about the school.
Please also read our Registration Policy.
Sign up for the waitlist if the course is full.

Class size: 12
Cost: $385
Materials Charge: $40