One
consideration when designing the layout of a through dovetail is the
slope or angle of the pins and tails. While tradition dictates using
a dovetail ratio of 1:6 or 9° slope for softwood applications
and 1:8 or 7° slope for hardwood, the exact ratio or slope used
is largely unimportant, as long as angle extremes are avoided. Some
makers prefer the pronounced 14° angle produced by a 1:4 ratio,
especially when working in thinner stock, as it not only provides
stronger material interlock than traditional ratio angles but produces
a slightly exaggerated dovetail joint that many find attractive. The
14° angle is also a close match to that typically found on popular
18th century American period furniture.
Made in Canada, our 14° guides are designed to approximate a
1:4 ratio.