First hand cut dovetails

[SawDustB]

So I've been watching the Guild jewelry box videos, and trying to decide if doing a whole bunch of small hand cut dovetails is possible or not. I need a tiny shelf behind my tv to hold the WiFi router, so I figured I'd try it by hand. The alternative was probably dowels or pocket screws, since this is something that will never be seen. I was pleasantly surprised with how they turned out, especially since they're cut in oak pallet wood.

There's a gap beside one pin, mostly because I misinterpreted why the joint was binding going together and chiseled the wrong spot. I was also a bit aggressive with under cutting, so my base line isn't perfect. I used my fret saw between the pins, which worked OK but I think I need better blades.

Of course, the awful thing is I was planning on painting this white to match the trim...

[Dave H]

Looks pretty good for a first go! I think you critiqued your effort correctly and realize the things that will make DT #2 closer to perfection.

[Dknapp34]

Nice job! Those look a heck of a lot better than the first time I tried hand cut dovetails. 

[Chestnut]

Look better than what my first attempt would look like.

If santa got me what i asked for i might be trying some next week.

[TerryMcK]

They look great. Go ahead and paint it as you said it will never be seen. The best thing is you know they are there.

Now go make some drawers.

[SawDustB]

6 hours ago, Dknapp34 said:

Nice job! Those look a heck of a lot better than the first time I tried hand cut dovetails. 

Thanks!

5 hours ago, Chestnut said:

Look better than what my first attempt would look like.

If santa got me what i asked for i might be trying some next week.

I've had the tools to try this since last Christmas, so I really haven't had an excuse not to try it. 

4 hours ago, TerryMcK said:

They look great. Go ahead and paint it as you said it will never be seen. The best thing is you know they are there.

Now go make some drawers.

That's the plan. I've got a couple of builds I'd like to do next year with drawers. Band saw dovetails aren't an option (no band saw our room for one) so I expect it'll be all hand cut 

[Ronn W]

Great for first time.  Definetely on the right track.  I like it.

[Tom King]

I would say that few, if any, have done better for a first go at it!

[wdwerker]

Those look great to me !  Painting it seems almost offensive.

I use a router jig. The time envolved in hand cut dovetails usually  isn't profitable for me unless a client understands & still wants them. This is one of the areas where hobbyists can often do finer woodwork because they have the luxury of ample time. 

[SawDustB]

Well, they're painted now. I don't really mind, it just means I'll have to plan a small project that needs them for more practice. I suggested leaving it natural, but that was not received well.