Woodworking Joinery

Many woodworkers still think of dovetail joinery as a painstaking craft that takes years of practice to master. That's a little surprising, when specially designed tools and jigs that speed up and greatly simplify the process have been around for years.

As you may have discovered, there are many ways to build a drawer box. What's your favorite? Whatever it is, your method of choice almost certainly reflects the importance you place on durability, aesthetics and last but not least, getting done fast.

When installing a European style hinge, drilling the hinge cup hole in the back of the cabinet door is the first and most crucial task.

Hide glue has fallen out of favor in the modern era, but Ian Kirby still finds a place for it in his shop.

Back in the day, cabinetmakers cut all of their dovetails by hand. Of course, they really had no choice. Now, with mechanical means ranging from basic router dovetail jigs on up to sophisticated automated machinery, is there any reason to time carefully lay out each and every pin and tail and make all of the demanding cuts with a hand saw?

What's the best joinery method for drawers? The answer: there are several reliable options.

How do you avoid the gap that sometimes forms when edge joining lumber?

What is the easiest way to make and hold a scarf joint?