For technical reasons, we’ve moved the MP3 player to the bottom of the page. Also, due to a fairly epic smooth move on my part, the video will be released Monday, May 14th. – Ben

This episode is sponsored by Varathane:

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Click here to win one of five copies of Matt’s book, 52 Boxes in 52 Weeks

Question #1

I use a myriad of tools to cut my dovetails, including, a handsaw, a drillpress and a router for cleanup. What constitutes a hand-cut dovetail?  Does hand cut simply mean not using a router jig or that you simply used your hand saw at some point? -Mike

• Dovetail Jigs – How to create a complex joint the easy way by Anissa Kapsales
• Chris Becksvoort, the dovetail master at work – Just another dovetail video? by Christian Becksvoort #264-Nov/Dec 2017 Issue

Question #2

I use card scrapers frequently to tackle tear out, plane tracks, and mill marks. No matter how I use the card I seem to end up with fairly deep impressions, from where I put the scraper down onto the wood. I’ve tried placing the scraper very softly onto the wood, going in at different angles, etc. and I still seem to get them.  What am I doing wrong? -James

Smooth Move

Ben – Not fixing his apron and letting his marking knife hang out the bottom… thus cutting himself on it.

Anissa – Dumping an entire bottle of CA glue on a project… thus gluing a router mat to said project

• Lessons learned, I think by Ben Strano

Mike – Not checking his parts for square before laying out dovetails

Question #3

Is there a best practice clever way to locate the strike plate for a drawer’s half mortise lock in a chest before assembly and glue up? -John

• Lock Mortises Made Easy by Michael Pekovich #245–Jan/Feb 2015 Issue

Question #4

I am building a 6-ft wide Shaker-inspired chest of drawers. I’m not sure how to go about cutting the tails in the top.  I have a Leigh dovetail jig, and have hand cut many dovetails as well as used the table saw to cut dovetails.  I can’t seem to figure out the best way to cut these dovetails without resorting to standing on a ladder.  I know that there must be a simple solution. -Bill

• Video: Mortising the ends of long boards by Ben Strano

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Listener Comments:

Rich Colvin sent us an email wondering if Mike had recently moved to Ohio based on this license plate he noticed.

 

Via YouTube: Gary Popa

I keep all my finishing, paints, and solvents in an old refrigerator that a neighbor gave me for free. It has plenty of shelves and a good seal.

Recommendations:

• Ben – Michael Hill’s Instagram feed @mhwoodworker

 

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Every two weeks, a team of Fine Woodworking staffers answers questions from readers on Shop Talk Live, Fine Woodworking‘s biweekly podcast. Send your woodworking questions to [email protected] for consideration in the regular broadcast! Our continued existence relies upon listener support. So if you enjoy the show, be sure to leave us a five-star rating and maybe even a nice comment on our iTunes page.