Hand-cut dovetailing was the default until 1860 when uniform machine-cut joints were introduced. But fine cabinetmakers persisted in fitting their joints by hand until the early 1900s, and cabinetmakers in Europe cut dovetails by hand well into the 1930s.

When were machine-cut dovetails first used?

The English cabinet maker first started using the dovetail joint in the mid 17th Century on walnut furniture and carried on doing this by hand until the late 19th century when they were produced by machines, mainly in the Edwardian periods.

What is dovetailing on 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.

When were wooden dowels used in furniture?

Wooden dowels have been used in manufacturing and woodworking for many centuries. One of the earliest documented uses of wooden dowels was in Japanese shrines in AD 690, which were constructed using only wood, wooden dowels and pegs, and interlocking joints.

How do you use a dovetail jig?

8:5812:05How to Set Up and Use a Dovetail Jig -- WOOD magazine - YouTubeYouTube

Are dowels strong enough for chairs?

Its nice to know that dowels can provide a strong option when making furniture or cabinetry. Because a dowel jig assists in machining evenly spaced holes that are square to the surface, and doesnt allow the drill bit to wander during drilling, they provide a snug fitting joint with a surprising amount of strength.