Hit 200 dovetail joints in a single kitchen job and had to stop and count

I was working on a big custom kitchen remodel in Denver last month and kept cutting dovetails for the drawers. Before I knew it I had done 200 joints by hand and that really surprised me. I usually only get maybe 30 or 40 on a normal job but this one had 12 big drawers plus some small ones. Had to stop and check my math because I couldn't believe I did that many without a single blowout. I think switching to a sharper chisel and taking my time on the layout really helped. Has anyone else ever hit a number like that and had to double check yourself?

2 comments

2 Comments

claire_fisher411mo ago

Holy cow, 200 dovetails by hand with zero blowouts? That is seriously impressive. Honestly, I'd have to sit down and stare at the wall for a few minutes if I pulled that off. Ngl, I've done batches of like 40 or 50 on a big job before and even then I had to double check my layout halfway through because your brain just starts to blur. Tbh it sounds like that sharper chisel and taking your time really paid off big time.

the_robert1mo ago

Funny thing about sharp chisels, I once sharpened mine so fine it sliced through a pencil eraser before I even touched the wood.