Shoulder Block for Hand-Cut Dovetails
T
HIS SIMPLE LITTLE SHOULDERblock is not my idea, but I’ve
adopted it and now have several different sizes for different situa-
tions. To make the block, start with two 1^1 ⁄ 4 -in.-sq. sticks of hardwood,
about 4 in. longer than the widest dovetail you normally cut. Drill
through the ends and install carriage bolts and wing nuts, as shown in
the sketch below.
To use the block after you’ve marked out the pins, carefully tighten
the block on the workpiece at the base of the pins. The shoulder
block serves two purposes: as a cutting-depth stop and as a chisel
guide for removing the waste.
With the block in place, simply saw the pins until the blade touches
the block. After sawing, clamp the block and workpiece in a wood-
faced vise, lay the chisel’s flat side against the block, and begin tapping
away the waste. The block will guide the chisel up to the line. This
shoulder block is also useful for paring the shoulders of tenons and
cleaning up through-mortises.
—LENCRANE,BASINVIEW,N.S.W., Australia
SHOPMADE HAND TOOLS & HAND-TOOL FIXTURESDovetail shoulder blockThe block serves as a cutting-depth stop
and as a guide for the flat of a chisel.