Hand Cut Dovetails Class with Kelly Mehler
August 25-26 Saturday-Sunday

The wood for this class is provided.

TOOL LIST

Dovetail saw – Either Japanese or Western style.  Personally I prefer the Western saw and suggest a better quality Lee-Valley 14tpi, Lie-Nielsen 15tpi, Adria, or Wenzloff & Sons brands.  For many years I did use Japanese Dozuki saws and still recommend them for new dovetailers. The Japanese “Z” saw #12F27 (Woodcraft) is a good choice.

Lee Valley Dovetail Saw
Lie Nielsen Dovetail Saw
Woodcraft Japanese Dozuki

Cutting gauge – cuts across the grain  (A “wheel” disc) marking gauge works best. Veritas (Lee-Valley) and Tite-Mark make good ones. A marking gauge with a pin does not work.

Lee Valley cutting guage
Tite-Mark Guage at Lie Nielsen

Dovetail marking gauge or sliding bevel for drawing the dovetails.  A pair (1:6, 1:8) Veritas (Lee-Valley) Dovetail Saddle Markers are the best in my opinion.

Dovetail Marking gauges at Lee Valley

Coping Saw/ Fret Saw– The Fret saw is preferable. Tools For Working Wood has a 3” & 5” deep throat. Both are handy – if you only get one make it the 5”.  For blades – Olson, Double or Skip Tooth 5” Scroll plain end saw blades – 11 – 11.5 tpi. Peachtree USA has them.

Fret saw at Tools for Working Wood

PeachTree USA scroll saw blades for fret saw 

Wood or brass Mallet for striking chisels

2 in. to 3 in. steel square  and a 6” rule 

Small (6” or less) combination square or double square  (if you have to purchase one, I recommend the double square – Lee Valley Tools sells a 4” precision double square, but Starrett makes the best).

Dead blow hammer (12-20 oz.) – Not a rubber mallet.

Sharp bevel edge chisel set.

A notebook and digital camera for taking pictures (if you have one).

Safety equipment: safety glasses, hearing protection

 

Very Handy if you have them:

Small dividers

Marking knife - plain or fancy

A fully catered lunch is served every day and drinks and snacks are provided all day. Please let us know in advance of any special dietary needs. It is a good idea to make your lodging reservations well in advance.

 

Lie-Nielsen Toolworks extends a 10% discount to our students. Please contact Lie-Nielsen for more details.

If you have questions, please feel free to call or email Kelly

(859) 986-5540 kelly@kellymehler.com