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Joinery

Dovetails, mortise-and-tenon, and the geometry that makes wood hold itself together.

JOINERY · Jul 13, 2026 · 6 MIN

Dovetail Slope Ratios: Why 1:8 Isn't a Law

The 1:8 hardwood, 1:6 softwood rule is a convention with real reasons behind it, and a usable band from about 1:5 to 1:9 where the exact number barely matters. Where the ratios come from, what breaks at the extremes, and why your baseline matters more than your slope.

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The shortlist

The tools worth gifting — see the full ranking on the best-gear sheet.

SUIZAN Japanese Ryoba Pull Saw 9.5 Inch
$42.80
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Narex Bench Chisel Set
$81.99
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Starrett 12-Inch Combination Square
$126.07
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