FINALLY- A better way to cut dovetails by hand! (Cosman's Tips and Tricks) 

PLEASE READ BEFORE COMMENTING: I have no financial interest in Rob Cosman's website or tools. As I said, you can use any tools, and dismissing this video simply because you don't like the tools I use will cause you to miss some excellent dovetailing tips. Rob's tool are priced higher than some would like because many are made or modified by hand, and because he uses a great deal of the proceeds to support charitable causes. Rob has made videos showing how to use and modify your own tools. So please refrain from slandering him or me just because you think his saw is expensive

I’m part of the Rob’s Bench Brigade - we build benches for the veterans that attend Rob’s classes - Rob is a great guy and teacher. Love all your videos - keep up the great work!

My comment is to say I admire the respect you show to other woodworkers it is very commendable. It is something all of you finer video makers share and kudos for sharing the wounded heart project

Stumpy You do a great job with your videos. Everything is clear as can be and well presented. As is your enthusiasm. And to anyone who questions Cosman tools and approach, let me tell you this.I'm a moderately skilled woodworker with about 10 years of experience and I could not cut a dovetail to save my life. Then I invested in RC's equipment and instruction. On my second attempt, I cut nearly perfect through dovetails in red oak. No gaps at all. With good equipment and good instruction, this joint turned from a mythical creation available only to highly skilled super Craftsmen to an entirely achievable joint that even a hack like me can turn out. Keep on doing what you're doing, sir.

Great video James. I have watched several of Rob Cosman’s videos and decided to purchase one of his fret saws. Several days after I ordered the saw I receive a phone call from Rob informing me he shipped my saw. We talked for a little bit and he is as nice as he appears on his videos. I am a veteran and I told him I appreciate what he does for veterans. I did meet you James at the Atlanta woodworking show and you were just as nice as you are on your videos. Thank you.

This is the best dovetail tutorial I’ve ever watched. I’ve been watching dovetail videos for about 6 months now. This has the most useful ideas condensed into one video. Aside from some unusual creative tips that help occasionally, this is the one stop video to get started and get good with minimal wasted wood and time.

I had the opportunity to act as Rob's assistant at a few classes that he held at the Woodcraft store at which I worked. My head almost wasn't big enough to contain all that I learned. Thanks for the refresher!

I was an incredibly lucky winner of a tool giveaway that Rob Cosman does regularly. I was trying to figure out dovetails at the time and getting no where fast. Once I received a dovetail saw, marking gauge, and marking knife (won them all in a dovetail package) I tried again. I think he said you'd have it by the 2nd or 3rd one. He wasn't kidding. Perfect dovetails from hacking at it with previous methods. BTW, if I'm not mistaken Robs purple heart charity gives free woodworking seminars to the wounded vets. I think they're about 5 days long. LIke you said, extremely generous. As usual, great video James!

What a brilliant system. You gotta love someone who can see ways to improve on centuries-old tasks.

All of Robs offerings are fantastic. He’s a hell of guy and a visit to his site is worth it.

I'm a fan of Rob Cosman, Paul Seller, and Stumpy Nubs!

Big fan of Rob Cosman, especially what he's doing for our veterans. Very informative and well edited video. Subscribed!

True class supporting another craftsman

James, another great video. Beyond being a dovetail genius, Rob is q great guy that I know and consider a friend. His PHP has helped numerous combat wounded vets and is supported only by Rob and outside donations. Our East TN Luthiers Guild built a guitar that we are currently doing a silent auction on, with all proceeds going to the PHP.

Wow. I've watched at least 500 vids on dovetailing. And, my dad was a traditional cabinet-maker. This got my attention. You're very generous in both your knowledge and sharing others. Need more folks like you. Rob, I'm coming after your vids and tools right now.

I want to thank you for your, videos and professional demeanor. You have grown over the years. Your responses are spot on to the soothsayers. Sometimes I think of my Grandfathers beliefs, “if we can’t say something nice about someone then don’t say anything at all”. You and Rob are my go to videos. Thank you.

James, this is one of the times I regret that RU-vid only grants one thumbs up! Great video, great effort and lots of respect for you and for Rob Cosman. Greeting from The Netherlands.

I went to Cosman's seminar at the Hamilton Woodworking Show ... it was outstanding. He answered questions afterwards. A very nice fellow.

Hi, I think it’s fantastic that you took the time to make this video about Rob Cosman - his method and tools. I employ as many of his methods as my skills with allow and I own many of his tools. They are expensive especially when shipping to Ireland. His teachings and tools are the best money can buy. My hand made dovetail before were good but now I proudly show them off.

I've been binge-watching your channel and I consider it like at least a technical degree in carpentry thanks for the knowledge I'm not done watching probably will see them twice. thank you and your crew for teaching me carpentry. wish you guys all the success in the world in all your ventures

Great information Jame’s , it’s great to see the woodworking community support one another, what @RobCosman does for Veterans is very admirable, as a disabled vet myself (not combat wounded) I appreciate the acknowledgment from Rob and others in the woodworking community’s support for our brothers and sisters who served our respective nations. Thanks you for bringing our veterans to the forefront and all that you do on your channel. God bless.

I've watched Rob's videos on this stuff, but I enjoy it being explained by someone else who has a lot more knowledge of woodworking than I do. It's just nice to see what you came out with, and what I should focus on. Thanks!

I'm so impressed. My respect for you just jumped a big notch. By bringing great content to your chanel, even from other channels, you make yours better for me. By crediting Rob, your earn my respect. By speaking the virtues of what Rob is doing, I respect you so much more. Thank you. Btw, I watch you both, every video. You added new things for me, that I didn't get/notice on Rob's videos.

watched about ten of your videos now. they're not good. they are by far the best most informative and pedagogical, well structured and produced on the subject. i'm laying in bed with a broken arm now but i'm sure when back to my shop my carpentry will improve thanks to you a hundred folds. THANKS and keep up the good work!!!

Nice video James and good on you for giving props to Rob's PHP.

There is most certainly an eloquence to the way you speak and demonstrate your craft. Absolutely I admire your work. You remind me much of another you-tuber Essential Craftsmen, in your delivery of information.

Valuable info, thanks, James. And kudos to you for being unafraid to tout someone else's website.

Good summary on Rob’s technique on dovetail cutting. I started to try cutting dovetails and have been watching Rob channel. Your video clears some of the areas that I missed. Thank you for sharing.

Very nice explanation of (and tribute to) Rob Cosman's method~! I discovered his channel a few years ago and wished that I'd known about him much sooner. The man is the Yoda of Dovetails~! I have a few of his tools and love using them. Also his sharpening method has completely changed the amount of effort I put into getting great edges on my tools~! Again, wished that I'd discovered him earlier on. Thanks James for all the great content you produce~!

Excellent video! I’m a vet that was lucky enough to take Rob’s course. By the end of the first day I was cutting dovetails. The course was very well taught and a lot of fun. On the course are 6 veterans and 6 civilians.

James thanks for the video. I've watched Rob's videos on cutting dovetails. I never quite got it. Watching this, I think everything becomes much more clearer... I support Rob online and have some of his tools. I think I may just get the DT saw. Thanks for a great tutorial; and thanks for spreading Rob's work and support of vets. I'm a DAV myself and appreciate the support we get from folks like you and Rob.

thank god for your channel. i love these tips that make my life easier.

Excellent video James. Thank you. I'm sure Rob Cosman appreciates this as well.

Yep, I discovered this technique about a month ago, when a Rob Cosman video popped up on my recommended viewing list. Brilliant for beginners and old hands alike!

James, spent a week with Rob a few years back learning from the master glad to see his techniques repeated through your talents.

I’ve watched this video a dozen times. I love your whole channel. I’ve been afraid to try dovetails, but I’m now making a plan to give it a go and follow your video step by step. Thank you so much for this and all you do.

Great job. Rob is a true craftsman. Again great job

Rob is a class act, and I’d say the same about you. Great video and I’m sure Rob will be flattered ~

Great video James, accurate descriptions of Robs tools and techniques. Rob has packaged his dovetailing tools into kits that gives you everything you need to get started, or you can purchase them individually. I own most all of these and they work great and are top quality. They also work for other traditional methods.

I'm currently learning carpentry and the dovetail joint was the most difficult endeavour I had faced. This video has blown my mind and will definitely help me in the future. Thank you.

Thanks Stumpy. Rob is a great guy. Been in his online classes for a couple years now.

Watched one of Rob’s video. The one I saw was over an hour. Glad your tips are available. Go Buck!

Again i say it, You are the best, greetings from the wood whistlers workshop in the philippines, teaching young men the passion of wood work.

An excellent presentation and important shout-out to Rob Crosman!

Okay, that offsets idea blew my mind. I've always re-measured. Very nice.

I have only tried my hand at dovetails once, and it was not pretty but it worked. LOL. After watching this video (and following up with Rob's video), I will try my hand again at them! I won't be buying Rob's saw, but I will go buy a wheel marking gauge and a better saw for dovetails than what I currently have (Canadian Tire $10 backsaw). Thank you for making this video!!! I love your channel and check things out here regularly!

James, This may be the best video of yours that I have ever watched. Excellent.

Thanks for this video James. I wasn't aware of Rob Cosmans method until I saw it here. I have to say that it's made a huge difference to the outcome of my projects.

Well done. Nice to see great craftsmen supporting each other. 👍👏

Super video, James. You and Rob Cosman are. by far, my favorite woodworkers. It's cool to see you discussing and recommending Rob's techniques. Now, if only one of you would have the other as a guest...

Such a clear and well presented video and a very generous recognition of Rob Cosman's work. I wish I lived in the US - our tools are so expensive over here in the UK: a Dewalt 745 worksite saw is $675 (equivalent) in the UK!!!!

Hi James few years ago I got Rob cosman phone number off of the back of one of his videos. We talked for about 45min was a pretty interesting conversation didn't know him and his wife have ten kids wow. I bought directly from him one of his dovetail saws and glad I did because it has become my favorite for cutting dovetails. But for starting the kerf I use a kerf starter from Glen Drake tools which actually may help you to cut vertical. Also after cutting out bulk of the waste before any chiseling I cut the marking gauge line in deeper with a sharp utility knife. Then I will use the chisel horizontal to make a small rabbet before actually chiseling.

Well done James, and thanks for giving the shout outs to Rob Cosman's other videos rather than repeating too much. Nice concise video with just the right amount of detail and references. I love what Rob Cosman is doing with his channel and the Purple Heart Foundation, and I've been following his channel for some time now. He's doing some great work (you too BTW).

Ive recently began woodworking in an effort to overcome anxiety issues that Ive dealt with most of my life. Its sometimes so prominent that it triggers depression and what I would describe as nerve and joint type growing pains all over my body. These extreme times cause many days and weeks of limited sleep that only magnifies the problems I am dealing with. Ive found that working in the shop gives me something positive to focus on and even channels my OCD into a positive result. Im certainly no expert, but have been enjoying the process of adding to my knowledge and skill level.

This video stands out to me as the more significant of your collection!

I am a long time fan of both you and Rob's. I like his videos of dovetailing. You did a great job though of condensing and explaining parts of his methods. Both of you keep it up.

great video and yea, the WOW factor took my breath away at the prices on Rob's page but, I understand too, quality is not cheap and in the long run, is worth the investment. Now....what I enjoyed the most...was the plug at the end for veterans and wounded veterans. Classy that is off the charts!!! You did not have to include that....that you did, is worthy of a salute! I'll give you TWO!!

Rob Cosman is a master genius at his craft! Awesome video! Thanks.

You do a great job of explaining the how and why. Thanks!

Many thanks for this extremely helpful video and also for helping Rob with his generous work.

🎉 thanks for the solid and straightforward explanation!!

Love rob’s videos.. ive learned a ton from him.. and is devotion to vets is admirable

Thank you so much! I watch Rob's video twice but didn't fully understand it until now!

I love the way you explain things!!

I learned so much watching this video. You are an excellent teacher. Thank you

James, great summary! I've interacted with Rob in person more than once. Everything you stated is true. His tools really do help, but more importantly the techniques make the biggest difference. He is also truly passionate about vets, including his family. I had the opportunity to watch him teach blind dovetails in person, with lots of explanation at each point. He still finished a show-piece quality blind dovetail joinery in 8-10 minutes. I also watched a person clone his method and use a very thin plane shaving as a shim for an extra tight joint. His very first dovetails looked amazing. There is one thing I didn't hear mentioned that really should have been. Rob can sharpen a tool so that it performs like a razor. Yes, his techniques really work. I did several things opposite to see if I could find a better way. Patiently, Rob was always right. I get nothing for saying this. He's a genuinely good person with serious skill. Put an IBC blade in your existing planes. Pick up an IBC chisel too. Learn how Rob sharpens and you'll reach for hand tools before power tools.

Great ideas on cutting the inside rabbet and on the offset marking with the marking gauge! Regarding the cutting angles for the tails, I've trimmed that down to one - straight up by moving the board so that the angled lines orient vertically - as it's alot easier cutting up and down. Also ala Chris Becksvoort - I also lightly tap the scribe line on the outside of the pin waste with a chisel and cut a small shoulder to keep that line crisp and horizontal.

Thank you! Saving this for a rewatch and will follow the links to learn more from the master himself. I’m below new when it comes to hand-tool woodworking if there is such a thing…but love the idea of a sawdust-free garage…so this is a great video to see!

Thanks James, another excellent video. I’m a great fan of Rob Cosman and have had the pleasure of meeting him.

Roy Underhill was a real in-fighter in the wood shop... man kept broken bottles around and would use em at the drop of a spoke-shave. Concaving the concealed portions of the cuts also produces a volume that wood glue will fill creating a much stronger glue bond.

Best video I’ve seen for ages, so practical and new tips. Fine tuning a technique that I still find difficult so I’ve got some new ideas to help me. Thanks very much, and also for the link to a new innovator too.

I, a complete novice, followed Paul Seller's advice to file a "progressive rake" in the first two inches of teeth. Simple to do and it works great. Likewise he recommends taming the set a bit and shows how to do that. But that offset bit is new to me and very cool.

Thank you for taking your time to invite others that may not know Rob and you did awesome job explaining Robs technic!

It's a great technique that Glen Drake introduced using a feeler gauge to offset the thickness of the blade. I actually like using the marking gauge like Rob does.

I love Rob Cosman he is IMO the best out there and his teaching style draws me in. I must say, I have been having a hard time with the dovetails and truly understanding his method even though when I would watch him do it I would feel as if I did understand, once I got to the the shop and started I found myself still struggling to figure it out. Until I watched this video. The way you broke down why he did things the benefits of each of Rob's tips and tricks finally made me actually understand and was able to cut my first well fitting Dovetail after about 20 attempts in the past! Thank you and well done video it has taught me a lot.

One of the coolest videos you've presented... and the marking knife is brilliant. Thanks again for practical solutions & methods for real projects!

Glad you mention time and practice. To get going I make some random boxes and used dovetails in projects that don't really need them. Doing each operation accurately gives me excellent results. Having Bad Axe an hour away from me hurt my wallet pretty bad but I feel they're that good. I bought them to reward myself for making decent dovetails.

the tip of using the wheel marking gauge is super helpful thanks !

I've been a huge fan of Rob, but had no idea he did that for vets...guess who's a bigger fan of his now!

Rob's the GOAT 🙌

love all your videos, keep them coming

Excellent video. One big mistake I see is folks using a coping saw and thinking it is a fret saw. Once you use a fret saw you will see what a difference it makes. Good work on bringing this to some folks who have never heard of Rob Cosman. My plan for my first week of retirement is to go take his class. Yes his tools are expensive but they fit in the life time investment category and can be past down for generations. They are extremely well built with high quality components.

Thanks James this is valuable!info for me. Thanks always for sharing. Cheers from BC!

I need to try this immediately I'm not even sure I can wait until the end of the video ahhhhhhhhhh!

Really great presentation. Dovetails are a challenge, but so rewarding!

I love that you did this video!!! Love Rob and his work!!

Perfect timing, just when I was about to start the dove tail part of a project

Thanks for the insight and links to Rob's efforts. You rock!

One of Paul Sellars' tricks is to dull the first few teeth of his backsaw to get the same effect as that spiffy Cosman multi-pitch saw. You can start it easy at the end, then get into the meat of the saw.

I have been scared to death of doing hand carved dovetails. This video really made me feel alot better about trying it. Needless to say it will be seen if I can actually do it lol. Thanks for the video and info.

Excellent ideas in this video especially on transferring your saw cut and offsetting your cut! I have often wondered why some woodworkers do not dove tail the back of the drawer? They just do the front to the sides but no back to the sides.

Great tips James. I too follow Rob and totally agree with his methods. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.

Jonathan Katz-Moses has some great tips too and a wonderful guide tool. You had some great tips here Stumpy! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.

I appreciate all of your videos, knowledge and help. Every time I go to do something I have little experience in or a different way to do something I refer to your videos, thanks stubs

I watch Rob frequently, also Paul Sellers. After cutting hundreds of dovetails tails first I viewed Frank Klausz doing pins first. Give it a try, it really simplifys the process.

I watched a few Rob Cosman's videos years ago, but I didn't see this tips in that videos. Thanks for sharing !

I’m new to wood working and watch a lot of your videos love the content , being a dis able vet with ptsd and tbi my memory sucks so I have to rewatch your vids to learn things , I don’t have many hand tools or funds to buy new hand planes on my wish list is an old jointer plane no 7 I think it is and a good scrub plane , love you hand tool wall it’s my dream to have a few of them old beautiful things Keep up the good work and I appreciate you informative videos

I wanted to learn dovetails. watched rob's videos. Bought that marking knife, really nice, and a Katz Moses dovetail guide. Didn't take long to start getting nice looking joints. Not perfect but an excellent start without out tearing my hair out

Great video... I already saw Rob's video... you did a great job highlighting the key points. Thank you!

Cosman tips on Stumpy Nubs - What is this, a crossover episode?!