20/03/2026
ANATOMY OF A DOVETAIL JOINT
This image provides a technical breakdown of a through dovetail joint, a hallmark of high-quality traditional joinery. The illustration displays two mating wooden boards—the "tail board" and the "pin board"—separated to reveal the specific geometry that allows them to interlock. This joint is prized in woodworking for its immense tensile strength; once assembled, the wedge-shaped tails prevent the boards from being pulled apart in one direction, making it ideal for drawer construction and cabinetry.
KEY COMPONENTS & FEATURES
• Tail: The wedge-shaped protrusions on the left board. Their angled sides are what provide the joint's mechanical locking power.
• Pin: The narrow, angled projections on the right board that fit precisely between the tails.
• Tail Socket: The negative space on the pin board designed to receive the tails.
• Pin Socket: The negative space on the tail board where the pins reside once the joint is seated.
• Baseline: The horizontal line or shoulder at the base of the pins and tails. This marks the depth of the cuts and ensures a flush, square fit against the edge of the mating board.
• Half-pin: The partial pins located at the very top and bottom edges of the pin board, which provide a clean, finished look to the outside edges of the joint.
CONCEPT SUMMARY
The through dovetail joint is a sophisticated engineering solution for connecting two pieces of wood at a 90-degree angle. By utilizing a series of interlocking trapezoidal shapes, the joint relies on geometry rather than just adhesives for its structural integrity. This visual guide effectively communicates the specialized terminology required for craftsmen to layout, cut, and fit these components with the high level of precision necessary for a "piston-fit" finish.