Handcut Dovetails by Hendrik Varju
Passion for Wood, 2015.
$89.95 Cdn; 6 hrs, 58 mins on 4 DVDs
We have a winner!
Handcut Dovetails is the 15th DVD set from Hendrik Varju and like all the others, it covers a lot of ground. The DVD starts with a chapter detailing the tools required for cutting dovetails and includes information about Hendrik’s favorite rip-toothed Japanese dozuki saw. (If you prefer to use a western style saw, that’s okay – the lessons are still fully applicable to you). Next, spacing, marking and cutting tails with a handsaw and then chopping with chisels is covered. From there, Hendrik goes through tracing the tails, and then cutting and chopping the pins. The DVD ends with a glue-up and hand planing the finished joint, followed by a section on half-bind dovetails. There is even some bonus footage that includes cutting tails and pins with a bandsaw and a jig you can use for handcut dovetails.
At almost 7 hours, the DVD set provides a lot of important information, and as in his other DVDs you’ll learn the techniques in real time. Varju doesn’t cut out important steps so it’s like having “Private Woodworking Instruction in a Box” ™.
The comment by lucky DanM was chosen at random and he has won this DVD set.
Dec 10, 2015: See what DanM has to say about the DVD set in the comments below
Be sure to check back often for other great giveaways. Coming soon: Another DVD set from Hendrik.
Comments
Are the comments working now?
Dovetails are something I've struggled with doing well. I know there is some nuance I'm missing, and maybe this instruction could help me.
I could sure use this .
I have tried hand cut dovetails several times and each time I just cannot get the joint to be tight. I need to see more detail on the cutting itself and the layout. I think my weakness is really the chisel work. It would be great to win this! I do not want to go to a router jig!!!
As a new woodworker looking to focus msotly on hand tools, this is exactly what I am looking for in a DVD set. I want to learn correctly from the beginning and this DVD would undoubtedly be an invaluable resource.
This DVD set looks like a great way to learn this incredible skill that every woodworker would like to master! Whoever wins this should have all the others come watch this at their shop!
Another hat in the ring...
I have been intimidated by this process for some time. This may be just what I need to get me over the hump.
FINALLY got this link fixed. I guess I won't get picked to win this prize.
This would be a great addition to the shelf. It's worth noting the dovetails on the shelf are machine made and covered with moulding.
Nice
Wanting to become more proficient at hand tool joinery and this would be a great addition to my knowledge base. Looking to get away from machine tool furniture building.
Could improve my skills!
Oooh a DVD. Nice!
Awesome!
Looks great!
I would like to win this DVD
sign me up for another dvd
Maybe 7 hours of instruction will make me confident enough to try dovetails.
What size router is required?
I would really like to get this set. It's a bit out of my price range and I have never won a thing in my 65 years. It's a bit like the lottery no comment no chance.
I will have to save up for this one.
I am just beginning to attempt handcut dovetails and the effort is worth the beauty of the finished product. I just need a little more practice and guidance and this DVD can only help.
There will be dovetails on my next project. Perfect timing.
Always interested in hearing from someone new about their perspective on hand-cut dovetails
Please!
My husband would love this DVD set. He's great at woodworking, however, I'm not sure if he has ever done dovetails. But he would definitely enjoy this set.
Based on the fit of my dovetails to date, I would certainly benifit from this DVD. Thanks for the chance.
There's something admirable about a man who turns from a career in law to one of fine woodworking. I would love to win this DVD set! Cheers!
Would be glad to have the DVD!
I love the look and craftsmanship of hand cut dovetails. This would be a great addition to the collection.
I am just starting to get into hand tools, and have started the process of learning to cut dovetails by hand. A 7 hour instructional DVD would be most welcomed.
I fortunately have room for just one more DVD....
> < Dovetailed box in the digital age...
I wouldn't mind it. Pick me! ;)
Anything that would help my dovetails would be greatly appreciated!
I like Hendrik Varju´ DVDs. He´s nice bringing your atention to details.
I could always use it to fill in the gaps in my dovetails if I win the DVD and my dovetails are not improved!
Dovetails? I was hoping for a video on chicken tails, anybody can make dovetails, but it takes a special person to learn the fine art of chicken tails
Hendrik's articles and videos are very thorough.
Looks great. Sign me up.
It is because of Hendrick I falled into fine woodworking 5 years ago. He goes into details and explains how and why things work like nobody else. Thanks to him I still have my 10 fingers! I'm glad he keeps on making video. They are worth it. I'm looking forward to learning more woodworking skills with this one ;)
Looks like a thorough study of dove tail techniques. A real asset to any woodworking library.
What a great way to really learn the proper way to make dovetails....
How does he fill 7 hours?
I know you don't include the UK in this sort of thing, even though we buy your Magazine, but I will keep trying, and grumbling.
John
Maybe this set of dvd's will give me the confidence to make hand cut dovetails.
I could always use a new perspective on cutting dovetails by hand. Every time I see someone new cut dovetails, I learn something.
Hand cutting dovetails can set you apart as a craftsman and any reference material that can assist can only be a plus.
I've done a few, but could easily use some more counsel.
I'd like to go through this DVD but for $90 i'd rather spend that on wood to practice and perfect on.
As a beginner, I'll take any help I can get! DVD sounds like a good way to start on dovetails.
Posting for the win!
great way to learn!
I could use this.
I hope I win because I really want to learn to make them by hand
Sure sounds interesting.
Sure I'd be interested. Had a great time at a class with Frank Klaus last year but haven't really had a chance to perfect the technique yet.
Random selection may be my best bet to finally take a run at this joint.
I will be taking a class at The Port Townsend School of Woodworking to learn hand cut dovetail techniques. The DVD's will be helpful.
Count me in, love Hendrik, great teacher, dvd would be as close to one on one instuction as you could get
Nice prize!
An essential skill for any serious woodworker.
An essential skill for any serious woodworker.
My dovetails could certainly Withstand improvement.
Anyone who can talk for 7 hours about dovetails deserves a medal. I'd certainly like to watch the set and learn!
Hand cut dovetails defines the woodworker
I've been to numerous Woodworking shows where Hendrik Varju was speaking and he has an amazing way of making everything interesting! He caught me scratching my head and stopped to make sure i understood what he was saying!(By the way my head was itchy but I stayed until he was finished and we talked of a couple of different items for an extra ten minutes) I learned from him that there's more to doing a particular job, you should know why it's important to do it right the first time,stop and think! If his DVD reflects any of that it will be amazing
Looks like a really great training on dovetails!
Any help for my dovetails wpuld be appreciated.
Never heard of Varju so I must really his DVDs.
I've had the pleasure of attending several of Hendriks seminars at his shop. He is an incredibly detailed teacher and true master. Like every one of his other seminars, this will cover a lot more information than just how to cut dovetails.
I've tried the dovetail jigs but they're a poor shortcut for the craftsmanship of the hand cut joints.
Been waiting all my life for a definitive guide for dovetails. Here is hoping!
It would be awesome to win this contest, I could use this to learn how to cut dovetails
Posted to win
Just purchased a Lie Nielsen dovetail saw. This would be a great addition my library.
Hendrik's DVD's are simply the best.
let me impress my friends, if not with my dovetails at least with my DVD library. Thanks
Since my handcut dovetails are a disaster, I could use this.
This would be really nice to win. I am in dire need of expert lessons on handwork.
This would hopefully help me become gap free on my dovetails.
I need this because I have not been very successful with hand cut dovetauls. One projecr, a blanket chest, I even modified and cut off the dovetails because of the way they loojed.
need to learn this to make the nice looking dove tails !:-)
I learned how to make dovetails on a commercial jig and router before I tackled hand cutting them. That was a big mistake! A dvd like this would really be helpful in not only doing a better job, but maybe faster also! Currently my hand cut dovetails are good, but could be better and I spend a lot more time on them then I feel I should.
I have some of Henrik's other DVDs and would enjoy having this one too. I like the way he shows every step of the process.
I can always improve my hand cut dovetails. Always looks my for new ideas.
Visual step by step instructions sure would help me out with my dovetails.
Always looking to learn more...
The only way to join materials at a 90 degree..and doing by hand..even better!!
Looks like fun
Pick me to win this. You really need to pick me to win this. CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW? Would it help if I said please? My sincere thanks, in advance.
I sure need some good instruction. This could be the answer,
A great way to learn something new from Fine Woodworking and it may be free.
Posted and participiating
I'm in
I'd love to win it!!
Thanks!
Layne
Winner is right here!
Hmmm...... pins first or tails first? What's a woodworker to do with all these choices?
Read the book I guess!
I really enjoy your Fine Woodworking e-newsletters. When my financial situation permits,I will definitely subscribe.
Count me in.
I need serious help with my dovetails!!!!
Random winner....just like my dovetail success...
This would be a great addition to my video library. Count me in!!
Thanks for the opportunity! Rock on FW!!
Looks like a winner.
Looks like a good vid! If FW is offering it, it must be quality.
Looks awesome!
Would make an awesome addition to my lending library.
I never been good making dovetails, this could help
What a great way to learn....thank you
What a great way to learn....thank you
I certainly hope so. I sure would appreciate yet another take on cutting dovetails.
I am always open to learn more on how someone else cuts dovetails. Would like to see this one!
I reckon this counts as a comment.
Let's cut some dovetails!!!
Hi, everyone. It's Hendrik here, the producer/host of this DVD production. Whenever we give away a free copy of one of my DVD courses, someone posts something like "I know you'll never ship it to me because I live in England (or Australia, or some other place "across the pond"), but here's my comment anyway." Let me just say that after Fine Woodworking chooses the winner, I will ship the DVD set to the winner no matter where they live. Fine Woodworking is sold world wide and so are my DVDs, so no worries there. Post your comments no matter where you live and I'll make sure you receive it if you're the winner. It might take a couple of weeks or so to get there, especially if you live near Antarctica, but it'll get there.
Cheers and have a great day!
Hendrik creates the best DVD instructional videos... I can't wait to see how he teaches Dovetails!
I have a set of Hendrik's DVDs and they are very precise in what they are about. I am not very good a doing hand cut dovetails so I am looking forward to seeing this new video. Also I guess more practice wouldn't hurt either.
I own three of Hendrick's exceptional and very detailed woodwork training videos already: Using and Tuning Your Bandsaw, Using Your Router and Router Table Safety and Revelations on
Table Saw Set-up & Safety. I also attended all his weekend woodworking seminars a decade or so ago and I can truly say that I enjoyed and my craft and cabinetmaking benefitted from every bit of it, Hendrick is a very personable, detailed, and talented woodworker and instructor. (I'm not saying this because it would make any difference to winning another DVD, since it won't, but I am taking this opportunity to plug him because the videos are truly worthwhile whether you are or aren't able to experience his classes in person!) - Wayne (webSherpa)
This is another plug for Hendrik's excellent videos...I have three, jointers/planers, drawers, and frame and panel construction. They are packed full of useful, quality information. I would be happy to have this new set of dvds.
This is something I would love to learn how to do. Hope I win!
I have all of Hendrik's DVDs and every one is excellent and very thorough. The DVDs are the next best thing to having Hendrik come to your shop for live instruction - which I also do with Hendrik. In my opinion, there is not a better woodworking instructor than Hendrik - live or on DVD.
I have another of Hendrik's DVDs, and it is incredibly detailed. This guy thinks about everything and he doesn't gloss over steps that might be mysterious to a beginner. This set would probably be useful as my dovetails are still not to the standard to which I aspire.
I'd love to have this DVD on cutting dovetails. It would be so helpful to be able to "study at home"!
I would love to have a copy of his DVD. I have several of Hendrik's titles ...they are fantastic
The depth of Henriks DVD's have always made it my go to source for taking my skills to the next level. Fingers crossed I will win this.
I have several of his videos and would love to have this one as well. Pete Scott
Hendrik's DVDs are great and so are his courses, both my wife and I have taken them!
Hendrix is a very good teacher. I have learned a lot from is DVDs I have purchased in the past. I'm sure this one will be everything you need to know about the subject.
I've enjoyed and learned a ton from Hendrik's other dvd's. I mature this will be no different!
Hendrik is a very good instructor. All the details that we need to know, he delivers in his dvd's. I'd love to win this.
I'm always interested in other's methods of work. Thanks.
Great DVD series, looking forward to the latest offering!
FW is the place to go if you want to improve your woodworking journey (understanding wood to complex jointery). Keep up the great publication and outstanding woodworking offers.
Very good instructional videos - no gaps in skill sets and I guarantee that you will succeed at dovetails after viewing.
Thanks for the chance to win
I have learned so much from the other videos I have by Hendrik. I would love to have this one too!
I now have the tools, just need the skills. Help!
I would love the chance to learn from this resource, thanks for the Opportunity!
Have taken many seminars with Hendrik. So informative. Would love to win this dvd.
I've watched a couple of Henrik's other products, and they are great. Would love to have a look at this too!
This looks like an awesome way to spend the holidays! Learning a true art! From a master.
Fine Woodworking and Hendrik rocks!
DanM was the winner and this is what he says about the DVD:
I was the lucky guy who won the first Fine Wood Working anniversary blog contest. I won a 4-cd set of talks and demonstrations titled “Handcut Dovetails” by Hendrik Varju, of “Passion for Wood,” in Ontario Canada. The cds run to 6 hours of fascinating and helpful instruction. Clear discussion of the value of the joint, appropriate uses for it, issues of layout and design (for both strength and aesthetic value), equipment (saws, chisels, etc.) and much more are all covered in detail. It is on the one hand very personal, and on the other, very professional. I learned a lot. Indeed, shortly afterward, I began a long considered, and long delayed, project to build a case for 6 drawers to fill the space in my workbench which had been essentially wasted for years. Confession: I did not cut dovetails for 6 drawers by hand. But I often used hand tools to trim and finish the joints I cut with a router and jig; and I felt much more confident about the whole procedure after the fascinating “discussion” with Hendrik (who now feels to be at least an “e-mail friend”; after watching the cds, I contacted him several times about some details, and he kindly replied quickly and helpfully).
And the next time I take up project (probably a smaller one with, say, 4 dovetail joints), I certainly will lay them out and cut them by hand, if only to say “I did it.”
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