Category Archives: Hand Cut Dovetails

Traditional Dovetailed Drawer: Hand Tool Tutorial

Posted on July 16, 2020 by woodworksbyjohn

It’s not too uncommon for someone to ask me about dovetails and the process it takes to cut them.  I thought this would be a good time to document the steps I use, these are the same whether they’re for … Continue reading →

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Count Your Blessings!

Posted on July 12, 2020 by woodworksbyjohn

Not sure how things are where you live but here in Phoenix we’ve become a hotbed for the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s times like these when it’s sometimes a struggle to find the positives and not get discouraged.  If you’re an … Continue reading →

Posted in Artist, custom profile, custom profile, Design Process, Diane Eugster art, Gilding, Hand Cut Dovetails, Hand Planes, Hand Tool Woodworking, Mesa Arts Center Store, Picture Frames, Types of Boxes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Fun with Chisels and a Stanley 271 Router Plane

Posted on March 29, 2020 by woodworksbyjohn

In my last blog I went thought the process of making a small, dovetailed box from Red Oak and Chechem — some small pieces of wood from my shop.  I’ve never had a large supply of wood on hand and … Continue reading →

Posted in Hand Cut Dovetails, Hand Planes, Hand Tool Woodworking, Mesa Arts Center Store, Tutorial | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Another Dovetail Tutorial: Social Distanced!

Posted on March 24, 2020 by woodworksbyjohn

The Covid-19 virus really changes how we go about our daily business I figured another tutorial on hand cut dovetails may be something my followers would be interested in seeing and hopefully sharing with their fellow woodworkers and friends virtually … Continue reading →

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Mesa Art Center Demonstration 12-7-2019

Posted on December 20, 2019 by woodworksbyjohn

Part of being a juried artist with the Mesa Art Center Co-op is the requirement to give demonstrations during the time the store is open.  These are usually monthly and last 3-4 hours depending on the schedule.  On this particular … Continue reading →

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Drawing Desk Complete

Posted on October 7, 2019 by woodworksbyjohn

In the last blog the dovetails had been cut and fit for the bottom section of the custom drawing desk.  If you missed it, here’s a LINK to that one and before I talk about the remaining work, let me … Continue reading →

Posted in Artist Furniture, custom furniture, Hand Cut Dovetails, YouTubeVideo | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Modeling Job = New Commission

Posted on October 1, 2019 by woodworksbyjohn

Many of you know that I occasionally work as a portrait or costumed model since moving to the Phoenix area.  For me, it’s a great experience — I get out of the solitary life in my shop, meet different artists … Continue reading →

Posted in Artist Furniture, Artist Model, custom furniture, Design Process, Hand Cut Dovetails, Hand Tool Woodworking, Tutorial | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Chickering & Sons Piano Box

Posted on March 16, 2019 by woodworksbyjohn

Quite some time ago, a friend contacted me and asked whether or not I’d be interested in a piano that had been in their family for a long time but was now relegated to the garage.  I had visions of … Continue reading →

Posted in Hand Cut Dovetails, Hand Planes, Hand Tool Woodworking, Mesa Arts Center Store, Recycled Wood Furniture | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Latest Frame Commission and Box Done

Posted on August 15, 2018 by woodworksbyjohn

I recently received an order for two picture frames from someone in the Portrait Artists of Arizona, they will be used on paintings entered into shows so that’s exciting!  She asked for a fairly simple frame with a black finish. … Continue reading →

Posted in custom profile, custom profile, Hand Cut Dovetails, Hand Tool Woodworking Class, Picture Frames | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Black Limba Dovetailed Box

Posted on November 22, 2017 by woodworksbyjohn

Seems as if I’ve been quite busy in the shop with commissioned projects which is a good thing but …. I keep telling myself that the Etsy Store needs to have more inventory for the hopefully good Christmas gift season. … Continue reading →

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