Skip to content
Fine Woodworking
Main Menu
Subscribe
GET THE MAGAZINE & MORE
Magazine Cover
  • Save 69% off the cover price
  • Or, get everything with UNLIMITED, including 40+ years of the online archive.
Subscribe Now!
Subscribe
  • Projects & Plans
  • How-To
  • Shop Tips
  • Tools & Materials
  • Videos
  • Magazine
  • Video Workshops
  • Members
  • Forum
  • Gallery
  • Blogs
  • More
    • Log In
    • Join
    Fine Woodworking Main Menu Subscribe

    Fine Woodworking Project Guides

    Shop Projects

    Guide Home
    Chapter
    • Bench Jigs
    • Machine Jigs and Fixtures
    • Tool Storage
    • Shop Storage
    • Workbenches
    • Shop Helpers
    Member-Only

    Sign in or become a member to access this story

    Sign in

    How to Make Dovetailed Drawer Partitions: Dovetail Second

    Learn how to cut, fit, and glue up the dovetail joint for the drawer partitions.

    Mar 14, 2017

    Start your 14-day FREE trial to watch this video

    Plus, access more than 500 video workshop episodes when you become a member

    Start Your Free Trial

    Sign up for eletters today and get the latest techniques and how-to from Fine Woodworking, plus special offers.

    Sign Up

    Get woodworking tips, expert advice and special offers in your inbox

    Sign Up
    ×

    Videos in the Series

    • All About the North Bennet Street Toolbox

      January 24, 2017

      For many, the toolbox serves as a badge of honor, but for the instructors at the school, the toolbox is an important teaching tool that covers an array of hand-tool and machine techniques.

    • The History of the North Bennet Street Toolbox

      January 24, 2017

      For some it is a place to put your tools, but for the students of North Bennet Street School, their toolbox is a badge of honor.

    • Panel glue-ups using a spring joint

      Easy Way to Glue up Panels

      January 24, 2017

      Learn how to use a simple spring joint to glue up boards and how to place your clamps to ensure a flat panel.

    • covetailed case layout 16x9

      Dovetailed Toolbox Case Needs Careful Layout

      January 31, 2017

      Dovetails for a toolbox must be strong, but for an heirloom box they also should be attractive. Learn some tricks and techniques for nailing the layout.

    • Hand-cut dovetails part 1 - Pins First

      Hand-Cut Dovetails: Pins First

      February 7, 2017

      Discover the pins-first approach to dovetails that the North Bennet Street School is known for. Learn proper sawing technique and how to efficiently and effectively chisel out the waste.

    • Hand-cut dovetails

      Hand-Cut Dovetails: Tails Second

      February 14, 2017

      After cutting the pins, learn how to transfer and cut the tails of the dovetail joint, the North Bennet way.

    • Finessing the Fit of the Dovetails

      Finessing the Fit of Case Dovetails

      February 14, 2017

      How to creep up to the perfect dovetail fit using a method called "chasing the smudge."

    • case assembly 16x9

      Cutting Joinery for the Toolbox Case

      February 21, 2017

      Stopped dadoes and rabbets are cut by machine and fitted with hand tools.

    • Gluing Up the Case

      Gluing Up a Toolbox Case

      February 28, 2017

      With the North Bennet Street Toolbox, lots of parts have to come together perfectly, so you may need an extra pair of hands to tackle this daunting glue-up.

    • case dividers 16x9

      Making Dividers for the Toobox

      March 7, 2017

      The dividers are joined using bridle joints and mortise and tenons cut perfectly on the tablesaw.

    • The Internal Elements

      How to Attach Dividers to the Case

      March 14, 2017

      Learn an efficient method of fitting dividers to a case and a simple method of installing drawer runners.

    • How to Make Dovetailed Drawer Partitions: Dado First

      March 14, 2017

      Learn how to cut a dado by hand for the drawer partition.

    • In this episode, Matt finishes the dovetailed partition, and glues in the dividers finishing off the internal structural elements

      How to Make Dovetailed Drawer Partitions: Dovetail Second

      March 14, 2017

      Learn how to cut, fit, and glue up the dovetail joint for the drawer partitions.

    • toolbox drawer layout 16x9

      Laying Out Dovetail Joinery for the Drawers

      March 21, 2017

      Tips and tricks for fitting a drawer perfectly and getting the layout spot-on for the half-blind and through dovetails.

    • Half-Blind Dovetailed Drawers

      Cutting Half-Blind Dovetails for Drawers

      March 28, 2017

      Learn how to cut and fit half-blind dovetails the North Bennet Street way.

    • Drawer Fitting 16x9

      How to Fit Drawers

      April 4, 2017

      Learn how to fit an assembled drawer perfectly to its case opening.

    • Frame and Panel Door - Sizing the frame

      Cutting Joinery for a Frame-and-Panel Door

      April 11, 2017

      The door frame is assembled with machine-cut mortise and tenon joinery.

    • Raised Panel 16x9

      Make a Raised Panel for a Door

      April 11, 2017

      How to cut a raised panel on the tablesaw using a clever jig that ensures safety and accuracy.

    • Door Assembly

      How to Assemble a Raised-Panel Door

      April 11, 2017

      Prefinish the panel, cut the mortise for the lock, and then glue it all together.

    • adding hardware to toolbox 16x9

      How to Hang the Door and Add a Lockset

      April 18, 2017

      Learn how to fit a door, add hinges, and install a lockset that works perfectly.

    • The Back Panel

      How to Make a Shiplapped Back Panel

      April 25, 2017

      Tips and techniques for making an elegant, traditional cabinet back.

    X
    X
    Previous: How to Make Dovetailed Drawer Partitions: Dado First Next: Laying Out Dovetail Joinery for the Drawers

    Guide

    Shop Projects

    Chapter

    Tool Storage

    Comments

    1. Gregj301 | Mar 16, 2017 09:17pm | #1

      Great series. A lot of good techniques demonstrated. Matt is an excellent teacher. Very clear in his explanations. I'm really enjoying this and can't wait for the next installment.

    2. TimBrosnan | Mar 20, 2017 10:16am | #2

      I've been a FW reader for decades and this among the best series I've ever seen. I've lost count of the number of things I've learned from this project but what really stands out is Matt's great teaching style and an attention to detail that really makes a difference! The simple advice of even just "chasing the smudge" is spot on. Thanks.

    3. wpick | Mar 20, 2017 03:27pm | #3

      I agree with Tim and Greg. Matt is a great teacher!

    4. treeski3 | Mar 20, 2017 11:00pm | #4

      That was suspenseful. Is there another way to ensure the web frames are plumb with bottom fillet edge? It seems that gauge block could be slightly out of plumb but still appear aligned on all three edges. Thanks for the length of video in this series. I hope they are all like that. It will make the wait for the next series more bearable.

      1. Archon | Jun 08, 2019 07:53pm | #14

        Since Matt aligns the top web frame with the back of the rabbet at the bottom of the door frame, those two should be in plane. Consequently he only needs to adjust the third frame in the middle and if that block is straight, that should clinch the process.

    5. User avater
      WoodIsTheNewBlack | Mar 29, 2017 12:51pm | #5

      I agree fully with the other comments. Wow! I am following this along while doing a larger cabinet build with quite a few sliding dovetails ... as I know now after watching this: there is a lot to learn and do better the next time around. Very inspiring!

    6. User avater
      David263 | Apr 01, 2017 08:04pm | #6

      I can't say enough about this series and Matts no-nonsense... no small talk... on target teaching.
      Question: I am wondering (and have wondered before)... is the short sliding dovetail for appearance only? I ask because I have to think that there is very little mechanical value to it?? In addition, I think sometimes the sliding dovetails are full... and I wonder when should it be full...and when is like this?

      1. User avater FWW Editor
        BenStrano | Apr 04, 2017 07:56am | #7

        The dovetail is really there to keep the pieces from bowing away from each other, well, and they look awesome. Is it overkill? Maybe, but if the divider is just dadoed in there is no mechanical backup should the glue fail.

    7. User avater
      sawdustandwoodchips | Apr 12, 2017 06:14pm | #8

      good series!! why were the web frames not cut so that they seated into the dado exactly without all the bashing back and forth?

    8. Martino23 | Jun 20, 2017 05:53pm | #9

      Great series! Are you going to put it all on a DVD that we can buy?

      1. User avater FWW Editor
        BenStrano | Jun 21, 2017 01:23pm | #10

        No plans for a DVD right now. Sorry

    9. User avater
      uumikew | Aug 26, 2017 06:07pm | #11

      I had the same issue clamping the divider as Matt did. Here is my solution.

      https://www.pinterest.com/pin/406872147577213403/ and https://i.pinimg.com/originals/33/63/d5/3363d57cab9ae853086381896600fddf.jpg

      1. User avater FWW Editor
        BenStrano | Aug 28, 2017 09:00am | #12

        That's a great solution! Nicely done!

    10. User avater
      rchatwell | Feb 17, 2019 09:28am | #13

      I am just a beginner but Matt's teaching style inspires me to do more. I will need to start with smaller projects to employ the teaching pearls that he has imparted. I am also sure that mistakes are ahead, but these will fewer with the instruction he has provided. Thank you to Matt and the North Bennet Street School for this video series.

    11. User avater
      BlueHatMan | Jan 09, 2020 11:42pm | #15

      It's almost worth being so sick with a head cold all I can do is lie back and watch wood porn. I have watched some of the mighty spin their magic today. But Matt Wajda is in a class all his own, so clear about his thinking, his process, his physical movements. He really is a consummate teacher. And I suspect much the same can be said of the director/videographer who captured the magic. There's a certain selflessness that comes through on both their parts. I look forward to more of Matt Wajda. I'll watch him even without the cold.

    12. User avater
      HBHaller | Apr 13, 2021 10:03pm | #16

      I know this video series has been up for awhile, but I'm seeing it for the first time and my mind is blown with how much I have learned from Matt about various woodworking techniques as he builds this tool chest. His marking and layout skills are amazing and while seemingly trivial, this is precisely what leads to his perfect fitting joints. The patience and care he demonstrates as he marks out then those dovetails and dados is truly inspiring. The process of dry fitting of the dovetails had me on the edge of the seat--as if I were watching a Stephen King thriller on the TV--just knowing a pin was going to break! And the glue up? I could feel the tension. This is just flat out one of the best tutorials of any subject I've seen on the internet...and of course it just blows away the many popular YouTuber woodworking videos. Wow. Thank you so much FineWoodworking staff for producing and providing this series.

    Log in or become a member to post a comment.

    Sign up Log in

    Shop Projects

    Shop Projects

    Everything you need to know to make your shop your own.

    View Project Guide

    View All Project Guides »

    Become a member and get unlimited site access, including the Shop Projects Project Guide.

    Start Free Trial

    Bench Jigs
    • An Overview
    • Shooting Boards
    • Holdfasts, Stops, and Other Helpers
    Machine Jigs and Fixtures
    • Tablesaw Jigs and Accessories
    • Bandsaw Jigs
    • Router Jigs
    • Planer Jigs
    Tool Storage
    • Open Storage
    • Wall Cabinets
    • Tool Chests
    Shop Storage
    • General Storage
    • Lumber Storage
    • Clamp Storage
    Workbenches
    • Starter Benches
    • Small Benches
    • Full-Size Benches
    Shop Helpers
    • Router Tables
    • Outfeed Tables
    • Work Supports and Helpers

    Get the latest from Fine Woodworking Magazine

    • #292-NOV/DEC 2021

      • Kerf-bent wall cabinet
      • Online extras from FWW issue #292
      • How to tame curved parts with patterns
    • #291-Sep/Oct 2021

      • Build a modern coffee table
      • Online Extras from FWW Issue #291
      • Editor's Letter: Something old, something new
    • #290-July/Aug 2021

      • Build a Shaker chest of drawers
      • Online Extras from FWW Issue #290
      • From the editor: What we make matters
    • #289-May/June 2021

      • Arts & Crafts Coffee Table with Story-Book Charm
      • Links from Fine Woodworking issue #289
      • Step-by-Step Guide to Tuning Your Block Plane
    • #288-Mar/Apr 2021

      • Phil Lowe: A craftsman and gentleman
      • Online Extras from FWW Issue #288
      • Phil Lowe: craftsman, teacher, friend

    UNLIMITED membership - Get access to it all

    Start Free Trial Upgrade Membership

    Fine WoodWorking

    Follow

    Newsletter

    Get woodworking tips, expert advice and special offers in your inbox

    Sign Up

    Membership & Magazine

    • Members
    • Digital Libraries
    • Join Unlimited
    • Magazine Subscription
    • Magazine Renewal
    • Gift a Subscription
    • Customer Support
    • Manage Preferences

    Taunton Network

    • Fine Homebuilding
    • Green Building Advisor
    • Fine Gardening
    • Threads
    • About
    • Contact
    • Advertise
    • Privacy Policy
    • Careers
    • Copyright
    • Terms of Use
    • Accessibility
    • California Privacy Rights
    • Site Map

    © 2021 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

    Get step-by-step instructions, woodworking tips, expert advice and special offers in your inbox. Sign Up Now!

      Main Menu

    • Projects and Plans
    • How-To
    • Shop Tips
    • Tools & Materials
    • Videos
    • Gallery
    • Magazine
    • Video Workshops
    • Members
    • Forum

      Popular Topics

    • Design
    • Small Projects
    • Beds
    • Chairs, Benches And Stools
    • Built-ins
    • Storage And Shelves
    • Cabinets
    • Carving
    • Casework
    • Desks
    • Tables
    • Shop Storage And Furniture
    • Woodturning Projects
    • Workbenches
    • Surface Prep

      More

    • TV
    • Forum
    • Blogs
    • Webinars
    • Podcasts
    • Customer Support

      Account

    • Log In
    • Join

      Magazine

    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Digital Libraries
    • Magazine Index
    • Subscribe

      Membership

    • Member Home
    • Start Free Trial
    • Gift Unlimited
    • Log In

      Shop the Store

    • Books
    • DVDs
    • Taunton Workshops

      Events

    • Fine Woodworking Live
    • Fine Woodworking HANDS ON

      Account

    • Log In
    • Sign Up

    Newsletter

    Get woodworking tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

    Sign Up

    Follow

    UNLIMITED

    Become an UNLIMITED member and get it all: searchable online archive of every issue, how-to videos, Complete Illustrated Guide to Woodworking digital series, print magazine, e-newsletter, and more.

    Start Your Free Trial

    Upgrade Membership