Gary,
First, thank you for the recent article “A Trip to the Dovetail Doctor”. Many of us suffer from the same problems as Tom and we are sure to benefit.
Second, in the article, you mention that you suggested “simple practice drills in pine for sawing on a line.” Can you describe these drills? Despite what appears to be decent form (relaxed one-handed grip, steady stance, etc.) I still have problem staying on the line. Your help, as always, would be greatly appreciated.
Aaron Petersen
Replies
Hey Aaron,
Every day you walk into the shop, take a piece of 1x12 pine and mark out lines on it like gauge lines equal to the thickness of your stock. Then clamp the piece in your vise. Take you saw and start a tail cut. Saw down to your pencil line. Then measure over, by eye only, about 1/2" or so and make the other side of the tail cut. Then measure over, with your good eye, about 1/8", and start another tail cut. Keep measuring by eye and sawing until you're across the board. Concentrate on making each tail the same size, with the same angle, with no sawing past your pencil lines and everything else done by eye and feel. Learn to trust yourself and your work.
I guarantee two things. It will suck at first, and then it will get better.
Every day you walk into the shop, do this exercise. Cut off the tails when you're done. They're not important to look at. It's just important to practice. It's as good an exercise as you can do. Have fun with it.
Gary Rogowski
The Northwest Woodworking Studio
Portland, Oregon
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