Handsaw Jig for Accurate Dovetails

When cutting dovetail joinery by hand, it can be difficult to keep a handsaw aligned at the proper angle while making tail cuts. To get around this problem and ensure straight, accurate tail cuts, Fine Woodworking reader Alejandro Balbis devised a simple saw guide that keeps his cuts on track.

The jig is nothing more than a small piece of wood with a dowel through it. The dowel rests atop the workpiece, allowing the user to pivot the guide to the proper angle. The saw plate rests against the guide allowing for a straight, more accurate cut.