Woodworking Unplugged: Hand Cut Dovetailing

The beautiful and resilient dovetail joint has become a hallmark of high-quality furniture. But in the past, it was a utilitarian method for joining boards together and often hidden on finer work. This two-day class is an introduction to fine furniture making and traditional woodworking for anyone interested in early American furniture or classic joinery.  

Follow along with an easy layout process that makes this joint deceptively simple. Learn to use a saw, plane, and chisel confidently. You will walk away with a common article found in early American homes—a rustic candle box with a sliding lid. All tools and materials are provided. Learn more about our historic classes.

This class is for individuals ages 14+. Anyone under the age of 16 must register with an adult. 

Purchase Tickets

Saturday, February 22 and Sunday, February 23: 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 

Location: Modern Woodshop, location #37 on map

Members: $225 | Nonmembers: $250 (Cost is for both days) 

About the Teacher

Henry Raab has been building American period furniture with traditional hand tools for four years. He is a proud Hoosier with a passion for learning and teaching about historic trades. 

Growing up in central Indiana, Henry spent most of his childhood outdoors at parks and living history sites such as Eagle Creek, Turkey Run, Billie Creek, and Conner Prairie. This exposure taught him to value our precious natural and cultural resources, as well as family traditions of folk music and craft that all taught him an appreciation for art and storytelling. 

Today Henry’s mission is to preserve traditional hand skills through preservation, demonstration, and hands-on instruction. He is a member of several organizations dedicated to this purpose, including the Society of American Period Furniture Makers (SAPFM), the Midwest Tool Collectors’ Association (MWTCA), and the Association for Living History, Farm, and Agricultural Museums (ALHFAM).

He worked as an intern for eight weeks at the Marc Adam’s School of Woodworking in Franklin, Indiana, and now works at Conner Prairie full time as a living history interpreter, historic building preservationist, furniture maker, and instructor. 

When he is not working, Henry continues to spend time in Indiana’s beautiful forests as well as building tools and furniture, reading about early American history, binding books, and collecting antiques.