Description
Carpentry Course – 2-Day Dovetail Box Making
Duration: 6 hrs
This carpentry course is designed to provide an immersive introduction to dovetail joinery, a fundamental skill in fine woodworking.
Join our exclusive 2-Day Dovetail Box Making Carpentry Course, designed to build your skills in fine woodworking. This hands-on carpentry course will elevate your craftsmanship. Each session teaches dovetail joinery using routers and templates, and participants leave with a handcrafted dovetail trinket box finished with Odie’s Oil for a professional touch.
This carpentry course is perfect for both beginners and intermediate woodworkers looking to refine their dovetail joinery skills and master the intricacies of fine woodworking. The dovetail technique is essential in furniture making, cabinetry, and heirloom-quality wooden projects, ensuring both strength and beauty in every piece you create.
What You’ll Learn
- Understanding wood selection and grain direction
- Proper measuring and marking techniques
- Using routers and templates for dovetail joinery
- Sanding and surface preparation
- Applying Odie’s Oil for a professional finish
Workshop Schedule
Day 1: Crafting the Box
- Introduction to tools and materials
- Understanding dovetail joints and their variations
- Measuring, marking, and setting up router templates for precise dovetail cuts
- Routing dovetail joints using templates
- Refining and dry-fitting the joints to ensure a seamless dovetail connection
- Troubleshooting and adjusting for a tight fit
Day 2: Assembly & Finishing
- Gluing and assembling the dovetail trinket box
- Clamping techniques for secure jointsSanding and final shaping for a polished finish
- Applying Odie’s Oil for a smooth, polished finish
- Buffing and final touches
- Care and maintenance of the dovetail box
- Q&A session and participant showcase
- Certificate of completion and wrap-up
Who Should Attend?
- Beginners interested in fine woodworking and dovetail joinery
- Intermediate woodworkers looking to refine their dovetail skills
- DIY enthusiasts wanting to create functional, handmade dovetail projects
- Anyone interested in making furniture, drawers, or high-quality wooden boxes
Examples of Dovetail Uses
- Handmade wooden drawers for cabinetry
- Wooden storage chests and keepsake boxes
- Fine furniture joinery such as bookshelves and dressers
- Strong and decorative joinery for heirloom-quality woodworking projects
Materials & Tools Provided
- All tools and materials needed for this carpentry course will be provided, ensuring a hands-on and engaging learning experience.
- Pre-milled hardwood for box construction
- Routers, dovetail templates, marking gauges, and measuring tools
- Clamps, glue, and sanding materials
- Odie’s Oil for finishing
Fees and Registration
Secure your spot in this carpentry course and develop your expertise in dovetail joinery.
- Fee: £350 (includes all materials, use of tools, and expert guidance)
- Limited spots available for a personalised experience
Immerse yourself in this rewarding carpentry course, where you’ll craft, personalise, and finish a timeless trinket box to cherish or gift. Sign up today and experience the joy of woodworking!
Things to Remember
- Attire: Aprons will be provided; however, we recommend wearing old clothes and closed shoes.
- Parking: Free onsite parking is available. Drive up to the gates, and the security attendant will assist your entry.
- Public Transport: If using public transportation, the nearest train stations are Woolwich Dockyard (10-min walk), Woolwich Arsenal (bus: 5 mins – 161, 177, 180, 472 to Warspite Road), and North Greenwich (bus: 15 mins – 472 or 161 to Yateley Street).
- Timeliness: Entry to classes is not permitted 15 minutes after the listed start time. This policy ensures an uninterrupted lesson for all participants.
- Class Duration: Classes may exceed the stated time. Please allocate additional time after the class, as we prioritize a comprehensive learning experience and avoid rushing students.
Thank you for your understanding and commitment to punctuality. We look forward to welcoming you to The Rivershop and sharing the exciting world of Dovetail box making with you! Come ready to create, learn, and explore the endless possibilities that Dovetail box making has to offer.




Nick –
great workshop thanks Richard!
Leon Wasyluk –
Just attended the breadboard course and came away with confidence to use all the machines and tools as well as completing the board to a high standard. Richard was superb as a tutor. Will do the dovetail course next.