ROUGH DOVETAILING.--One of the simplest forms of the dovetail joint is
shown in Fig. 267, where two pieces of timber are joined by the method
known as "through" dovetailing. This method is used in everyday practice
for joining the corners of frames, bracket trusses, and a hundred and one
other articles.

Figs. 268 and 269 show the method of through dovetailing as applied to
the making of boxes, plinths, and general carcase work; it is used in
positions where no objection can be taken to the end grain showing on
each side of the finished work. In the case of plinths and furniture
cornices the foundation frame is made of yellow pine or other cheap wood,
and the more expensive and rare timbers are glued and mitred around in
various thicknesses and shapes, thus saving the more costly material and
strengthening the construction by the method known as laminating. In many
cases all that is necessary is to veneer the face sides, thus covering
and hiding any unsightliness.

[Illustration: Fig. 269.--Dovetails for Boxes, etc.]

[Illustration: Fig. 270.--Lap-dovetailing for Drawers.]

LAP-DOVETAILING.--Fig. 270 is an example of lap-dovetailing, such as is
used where a drawer side joins with the drawer front. It is not
permissible to allow the end grain of the timber to show at the front of
a drawer, and this is why resort is had to the lap-dovetail. As the most
general use of the dovetail is for this and similar purposes, we shall
therefore deal fully with the methods of marking out and the making of
this class of joint.

ANGLES.--A most important point in the construction of a dovetail is to
avoid having the angles of the pins and tails too acute. An inclination
of one in eight is considered correct; no hard and fast rule need be
obeyed, but the variation should on no account be less than one in six.

[Illustration: Fig. 271.--How to obtain Correct Angles for Dovetail
Template.]

[Illustration: Fig. 272.--Squaring and use of Template.]

Fig. 271 shows a simple method to obtain the correct angle. Take a piece
of timber and plane up the face edge (A, B) true and straight; mark out a
line (C, D) at right angles to the face edge and space off 8 ins. as
shown; now measure a distance of 1 in. (D, E), and join E to point eight.
This will give the correct angle for the dovetails, and it may then be
transferred to the joiners' bevel. Many workers who are constantly on
dovetail work make a zinc template to the exact angle and keep