wboettch

I'm so tired of "making do with a hand tool that wasn't meant for the job at hand. Like using a stanley duplex rabbett plane to trim sholders and cheeks of tenons. I also agree that one should save to purchase fine tools rather than purchase cheap tools immediately. The difference is striking.
Bill

Don't misunderstand, I think that dovetails are an essential skill to aspire to and I've used them in the past. With limited time to practice and perfect them, I'll frequently use the time I have to substitute an equally lovely joint.
Thanks

Well said, couldn't agree more. I hate the clunky look of machine cut dovetails and, although I've used dovetails in some work, they usually need to be fixed after glue up due to my limited skill and tool inventory. I stress over having to cut them, wondering if I'll screw up and have to reproduce the part. Stress should not be a part of woodworking, at least for the amateurs among us. Let the pros stress the dovetails.
Thanks
Bill