When cutting dovetails by hand, laying out the first half of the joint is fairly straightforward with a bevel gauge or dovetail jig. Transferring that layout accurately to the mating workpiece is where things get a little more challenging. This simple painter’s tape trick makes those cut lines much easier to see.
Start by applying a strip of painter’s tape across the end of the mating board. Position the completed half of the dovetail joint over the taped end and use a sharp marking knife to scribe around the tails. The knife cuts cleanly through the tape while transferring the exact shape of the joint.
Next, peel away the sections of tape beneath the tails. What remains provides a clear visual guide showing exactly where the waste needs to be removed.
It's a simple addition to the normal dovetail layout process, but the contrast provided by the tape makes the cut lines and waste areas much easier to identify. That can be especially helpful when you're sawing close to a fine knife line.
Tip submitted by Jason Lipscomb, Bridgeport, New Jersey.
RELATED ARTICLE: If you're getting started with hand-cut joinery, see our guide to 7 Essential Woodworking Layout Tools for Accurate Projects → for more on marking knives, bevel gauges, and other useful layout tools.
