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How to Use Dove-Tail Wood

Dove-tail joints are often found in fine woodworking. They are a more complex version of finger joints and can only be fit together from one direction. Dove-tail joints are used for drawers, cabinets and wooden boxes. They have a decorative form and are the strongest type of joint found in woodworking, even though it only requires glue to hold the joint together.

Things You'll Need

Leather gloves
Dove-tail cut wood
Wood glue
Rag
Sand paper, medium-grade, fine-grade
Tack cloth
Sponge
Wood stain

Instructions

- 1
  Fit the two dove-tail ends together. They can fit together to make a corner or to connect the ends of boards together. Dove-tail joints only fit together in one way. Put the joints together without applying glue to make sure there are no gaps in the wood.
- 2
  Pull the boards apart. Apply a bead of glue over the dove-tail edge and spread it evenly over the entire joint surface using your finger. Slide the dove-tails back together so the corners or surfaces are flush. Wipe off the excess glue using a damp rag. Let the glue dry according to the instructions listed on the bottle.
- 3
  Sand the project using medium-grade sand paper, then with fine-grade sand paper. Wipe the dove-tail joint clean with tack cloth and apply wood stain using a sponge. Let the finished dove-tail joint dry according to the instructions on the wood stain container.

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