These things are referred to by a few different names such as dutchmen, dovetail keys, butterflies, and bow ties. What they do is prevent a crack in a piece of wood from growing due to their double wedge shape. The installation process is really easy and this is a great introduction to inlay work. In this project, I am making all my butterflies unique so I am cutting and shaping them all individually.
Welcome back to the kitchen build! This time, I’m going to be working on cabinet lighting, which includes both under-cabinet lighting and in-cabinet lighting. Every
Welcome back to the kitchen build. This time I am hopefully getting through the rest of the trim detail, and then painting everything. I am
Today I have a fun special guest with me! Wink bought wood from me in the past, and in the last load of stuff that
2 Responses
Hello Matt. My name is Norm, and I live in Mpls (Seward Area). I just found your website and have totally enjoyed the Urban Logging and watching you cut slabs from those huge wonderful trees. I recently retired at the age of 75, after working for over 50 years on IBM mainframes, specializing in Application Performance Tuning, But through all those years I did a ton of DIY projects – the list is very long so I wont bore you. Recently I have gotten more into turning bowls, working with Oak and Walnut slabs to make coffee tables, benches, and just now learning to make river tables. I saw your section on bow ties, butterflies, etc, and wanted to let you know of an amazing product that makes wood stitching and inlays so simple and easy.
Its called Slab Stitcher and their website is – slabstitcher.com They have the traditional bow ties, but a world of other items you can use to replace bow ties, plus inlays of all sorts. I have used their products several times, and can attest how easy it is. Check it out and see what you think – shop around and see just how many cool items they carry..
Thanks so much for sharing your woodworking passion with everyone. ! Norm
Hey Norm,
Here’s a review I did of Slab Stitcher back in 2018: https://mattcremona.com/blog/matts-weekly-shop-update/matts-weekly-shop-update-december-13-2018