STL 363: More Than One Way to Cut a Dovetail

In this episode of Shop Talk Live, hosts Anissa Kapsalis and Bob Van Dyke join the main host to explore the rich diversity of woodworking techniques, using the theme of dovetail cutting as a springboard. They discuss how exposure to multiple methods—like pins-first versus tails-first dovetails, or Al Breed’s backward sawing technique—expands a woodworker’s problem-solving toolkit and fosters flexibility. The conversation highlights how mastering various approaches, even if not personally preferred, builds confidence and adaptability, especially when facing unique project challenges. The episode also dives into the upcoming Fine Woodworking New England event on May 1st and 2nd, spotlighting an impressive lineup of speakers including Chris Bexford, Mary May, Tom Lee Nielsen, Mark Swanson, Christina Madsen, and Jennifer Anderson, along with hands-on demos and informal gatherings. Later, they tackle listener questions on splines in panel glue-ups and hinge selection, with Bob emphasizing that splines are often unnecessary for strength and can be visually distracting, while advocating for high-quality butt hinges over invisible kitchen-style hinges for fine furniture due to longevity and reliability concerns.