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The simultaneous mechanical and visual elegance of well executed dovetail joinery is recognised as a hallmark of fine craftsmanship the world over. Perhaps it is the ability of this ancient joint to appeal to both sides of the brain at once that has made it such an enduringly popular feature of fine cabinetmaking.

It seems appropriate, therefore, that a set of chisels designed specifically for preparing these joints should also possess a high degree of aesthetic and functional elegance.

The new range of dovetail chisels from renowned Lincolnshire toolmakers Ashley Iles consists of four superbly controllable, short bladed paring chisels with elliptical faces that form an acute angle along the sides of the blade; this design gives excellent clearance right into the corners of a joint. The chisels come in widths of 1/8”, 1/4” and 3/8” as well as a nice broad 1” to give a crisp, level finish on larger areas.

After consultation with Workshop Heaven and the Museum of Woodworking in New York, a pair of delightfully fine 1/4” cabinetmakers fishtail skews have been included in the set. These reach right into the corners of half blind and secret dovetail sockets and all the other tight spots that a straight chisel just can’t quite get to.