Customer Reviews

The Complete Dovetail: Handmade Furniture's Signature Joint

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Woodworking magazines are forever publishing articles describing methods for making dovetail joints. There are articles on router jigs for dovetails, home made jigs for dovetails, dovetails on the table saw and dovetails on the band saw. None of that is in this book. Nevertheless, the title is not misleading. To Ian Kirby, those methods have nothing to do with dovetail joints. So, absent those table saws and jigs, how can he do 151 pages on four simple hand-made joints. Well it is easy if you consider this book not a treatise on joints, but the essential textbook for a hands-on weeklong beginning course in woodworking in Kirby's shop. Mr. Kirby is obviously a teacher. The book focuses on the smallest detail, from how to mark the face side of a rough board you have just prepared with a hand plane, to how to stand when you pare horizontally with a chisel. In these small details, Mr. Kirby is precise and opinionated. I can easily invasion enthusiastic disagreement over these details with other classically trained master woodworkers. But only the most thorough understanding and elegant skill could give one the right to disagree. The writing style is as simple, straightforward and precise as the joints it describes. The illustrations and pictures are clear and explanatory. Nevertheless, Mr. Kirby often presumes on the reader's woodworking vocabulary and knowledge of drafting. The book sometimes expresses the impatience of a master who sees the subject clearly and cannot fathom the student's incomprehension. If your woodworking ideal is cutting gnomes from plywood on a scroll saw or running out to buy the latest laser-guided nuclear-powered jointer you just saw "advertised" on the "New Yankee Workshop" this book is not for you. But, if you want to learn how to quickly and precisely create dovetails with simple hand tools, and you are willing to actually do the exercises Mr. Kirby prescribes, buy this book. A last word of caution though - know how to sharpen your tools first.

Thank you Ian Kirby! Thank you. I am new to woodworking and was fascinated with the hand cut dovetail. I purchased Ian's book a few month ago, and it was easy to read, complete and authoritative. I'm sorry, but you cannot learn how to dovetail from a three page magazine article. This book is comprehensive, with good photographs. I did Ian's practice joints, then made a bookshelf joined with dovetails. They turned out great. Then I walked into a master woodworking class and the project required hand-cut dovetails. It was quite intimidating but I was confident in my dovetails. I even brought the book along. My dovetails were gorgeous - the best in the class! The project went great. Ian Kirby is the best! He is a master of woodworking and his book reflects this.

I have plenty of articles and books on cutting dovetails by hand. I have dutifully followed the steps, instructions, etc. provided yet my dovetails are still not as good as I would like them to be. However, Kirby's book is the first one that explained the basics in a clear form, provided a good set of steps and REASONS behind why things are done in a certain order.

After reading Kirby's book and following his techniques, my dovetails are far better. I also bought a copy for my brother, and he too likes this book alot.

Kirby does an outstanding job of describing the necessary steps to making a hand cut dovetail joint. Actually, many of his lessons are also applicable if you're using a router to machine your dovetails. I've read other articles that only explain the principle, but they fail to cover topics such as squaring your wood, and the principle behind techniques. Kirby covers every aspect of the making the dovetail joint. He differs in opinion with other authors, but his method obviously works. This is a fantastic work for anyone looking to learn hand made dovetail joinery.

If you have ever watched the Frank Klaus video on handcutting dovetails and then went and then tried it...I know I got less than spectacular results. I guess there is a difference between someone needing to make a fully dovetailed drawer in 20 minutes to put food on the table vs me, joe woodworker that cranks out one project a month if I am lucky. I've read a million articles on dovetailing, and though many are good, this is certainly the best. Why? Kirby explains everything from stance to starting a kerf correctly. Really, if you can cut a straight line I think you can cut a dovetail, but cutting a straight line is very hard to do and Kirby addresses alot of that. The exercises seem sound and I cannot wait to try them. I don't think I will ever make a dovetailed drawer in 20 minutes using Kirby's methods, but I am sure it will improve my quality...and for joe woodworker, that may be good enough.

Kirby has written extensively in magazines and I always enjoyed his articles. I believe he came from a traditional English woodworking backgroud which might explain his penchant for detail. In this book - 150 or so pages covering a single joint - he delves into every how and why imaginable for making dovetails. This is a real treasure trove for hands-on woodworkers. I found, too, after reading it that I started thinking more about all of my woodworking which (I think) improved it. A great resource that should be in all woodworking bookcases next to Krenov and Pye.

The book was well written and organized. THe pictures are especially good and made the process easier to understand. The book does an excellent job of detailing a process that simply takes quite a bit of practice to perfect.

After reading this book my first ever hand dovetail joint came out perfect. Very clear and concise with an eye towards traditional fine woodworking.

In Mexico no body know who to create this artesanal joints, its a great way to know them.

If you want to learn, this is the answer.

Hegel Gtz

While I love Kirby's book on Sharpening using waterstones, this one is almost 180 degrees for me. It is so specific to one method only, you can only gain info if you follow Kirby's way. I found the layout and application sections too full of fluf and it didn't keep my attention. I'll admit that I'm a pins first kind of person but was willing to be objective.

Obviously only my opinion, but it's just too technical for something that isn't nearly as complicated and "magical" as some would like to have you belive. I almost resited the former mentoned book on sharpening when I saw Kirby was the author, but that one I found indespensible - go figure. I give this one two stars because I'm sure the info is valid, I just can't stay with it long enough to glean anything useful from it.