Fine Woodworking

Fine Woodworking Project Guides

Shop Projects

Guide Home

Member-Only

Sign in or become a member to access this story

How to Make Dovetailed Drawer Partitions: Dado First

Learn how to cut a dado by hand for the drawer partition.

By Matt Wajda Mar 14, 2017

Start your 14-day FREE trial to watch this video

Plus, access more than 500 video workshop episodes when you become a member

Start Your Free Trial

In this video workshop you’ll get a taste of what it’s like at the North Bennet Street School. So sit back, grab a notebook, and learn how to build a toolbox, the North Bennet Street way.

In this episode, Matt Wajada begins working on the drawer partition by creating the dadoes.

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest techniques and how-to from Fine Woodworking, plus special offers.

Videos in the Series

All About the North Bennet Street Toolbox

January 24, 2017

For many, the toolbox serves as a badge of honor, but for the instructors at the school, the toolbox is an important teaching tool that covers an array of hand-tool and machine techniques.
The History of the North Bennet Street Toolbox

January 24, 2017

For some it is a place to put your tools, but for the students of North Bennet Street School, their toolbox is a badge of honor.
Easy Way to Glue up Panels

January 24, 2017

Learn how to use a simple spring joint to glue up boards and how to place your clamps to ensure a flat panel.
Dovetailed Toolbox Case Needs Careful Layout

January 31, 2017

Dovetails for a toolbox must be strong, but for an heirloom box they also should be attractive. Learn some tricks and techniques for nailing the layout.
Hand-Cut Dovetails: Pins First

February 7, 2017

Discover the pins-first approach to dovetails that the North Bennet Street School is known for. Learn proper sawing technique and how to efficiently and effectively chisel out the waste.
Hand-Cut Dovetails: Tails Second

February 14, 2017

After cutting the pins, learn how to transfer and cut the tails of the dovetail joint, the North Bennet way.
Finessing the Fit of Case Dovetails

February 14, 2017

How to creep up to the perfect dovetail fit using a method called "chasing the smudge."
Cutting Joinery for the Toolbox Case

February 21, 2017

Stopped dadoes and rabbets are cut by machine and fitted with hand tools.
Gluing Up a Toolbox Case

February 28, 2017

With the North Bennet Street Toolbox, lots of parts have to come together perfectly, so you may need an extra pair of hands to tackle this daunting glue-up.
Making Dividers for the Toobox

March 7, 2017

The dividers are joined using bridle joints and mortise and tenons cut perfectly on the tablesaw.
How to Attach Dividers to the Case

March 14, 2017

Learn an efficient method of fitting dividers to a case and a simple method of installing drawer runners.
How to Make Dovetailed Drawer Partitions: Dado First

March 14, 2017

Learn how to cut a dado by hand for the drawer partition.
How to Make Dovetailed Drawer Partitions: Dovetail Second

March 14, 2017

Learn how to cut, fit, and glue up the dovetail joint for the drawer partitions.
Laying Out Dovetail Joinery for the Drawers

March 21, 2017

Tips and tricks for fitting a drawer perfectly and getting the layout spot-on for the half-blind and through dovetails.
Cutting Half-Blind Dovetails for Drawers

March 28, 2017

Learn how to cut and fit half-blind dovetails the North Bennet Street way.
How to Fit Drawers

April 4, 2017

Learn how to fit an assembled drawer perfectly to its case opening.
Cutting Joinery for a Frame-and-Panel Door

April 11, 2017

The door frame is assembled with machine-cut mortise and tenon joinery.
Make a Raised Panel for a Door

April 11, 2017

How to cut a raised panel on the tablesaw using a clever jig that ensures safety and accuracy.
How to Assemble a Raised-Panel Door

April 11, 2017

Prefinish the panel, cut the mortise for the lock, and then glue it all together.
How to Hang the Door and Add a Lockset

April 18, 2017

Learn how to fit a door, add hinges, and install a lockset that works perfectly.
How to Make a Shiplapped Back Panel

April 25, 2017

Tips and techniques for making an elegant, traditional cabinet back.

X

X

Previous: How to Attach Dividers to the Case Next: How to Make Dovetailed Drawer Partitions: Dovetail Second

Comments

jlcguitar | Mar 28, 2017 04:42pm | #1
Excellent, detailed methodical process. Appreciate the attention to detail.

Only one thing that keeps distracting me, what's up with the dried glue drips on the beautiful tool chest drawer behind him?
CiscoSquid | Dec 16, 2017 02:33pm | #2
I've enjoyed every episode, and am building my own chest along the way (and learning a lot!)

One question -- what is the depth of the dado here before the dove is cut? Matt doesn't mention where he sets the marking gauge, and I don't see the depth listed on the plans.
PlaneandChisel | Jan 30, 2019 07:49pm | #3
Cut that dado on cross cut sled all the way through on both frames. Would give a nice 1/8 groove in the web to drop in the drawer divider as well.

Log in or become a member to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Shop Projects

Shop Projects

Everything you need to know to make your shop your own.

View Project Guide

View All Project Guides »

Become a member and get unlimited site access, including the Shop Projects Project Guide.

Start Free Trial

Bench Jigs

Machine Jigs and Fixtures

Tool Storage

Shop Storage

Workbenches

Shop Helpers

UNLIMITED membership - Get access to it all

Start Free Trial Upgrade Membership