September 3, 2010
America's Premier Dovetail Drawer Company
Company > History
Company History
Western Dovetail Inc.
is family owned
and operated and offers
A heritage of craftsmanship
    Western Dovetail was founded 1993 by Maxfield Hunter, the president and CEO, with support from his father George Hunter, and his brother, Josh Hunter. Max and Josh both learned woodworking at an early age from their father, George, who has contributed a lifetime of woodworking knowledge and experience to the company.
    George has an extensive background in architecture, model-making, graphic design, fine art and woodworking. He began his woodworking career in 1975 making custom craftsman style furniture and later continued making high-end custom millwork and cabinetry. George has always insisted on perfection from his two sons and still participates in the company and helps in various ways. Max and Josh spent many years learning everything they could about cabinetry, furniture and millwork before starting the drawer business.
    George, Max, and Josh have worked together to create their American Dream. They have stuck together as a family and raised a business from the ground up for over fifteen years.
    Max has taken after his father in the graphic arts and advertising to define the image of the company, manage the sales and design new products while also managing the business. Constant innovation keeps this company ahead of the curve.
    Josh has taken on the mechanical aspects of the company and is constantly building, purchasing and modifying equipment for each specific operation. Josh contributes to the business aspects as well as production management and keeps the company running efficiently while maintaining high quality standards. At Western Dovetail, every tool in the shop is dedicated to a unique process, which ensures safe, accurate and consistent product day after day.




Western Dovetail Incorporated operates at 100 year old location.
The "Jointers Shop" at Mare Island has a long history of woodworking. Much of the original milling equipment is still in use, including the central dust collection. This historic facility allows the company to stock more materials, reduce lead-time and offer more options, while maintaining all operations in-house. Western Dovetail is now prepared to meet the growing demand for their products without sacrificing quality.



Drawers made from Laminated Bamboo Lumber now available
Western Dovetail offers dovetailed drawers made entirely of Bamboo Lumber, which is harvested from well managed bamboo plantations in Asia. Laminated Bamboo comes in light and dark colors and in flat grain and vertical grain.



Custom machining for under-mount hardware
Western Dovetail was the first to offer custom machining for concealed drawer runners. Under-mount hardware requires precision machining such as notching and drilling and specific bottom placement. This company can notch, drill, and install locking devices for any major brand of under-mount hardware. The staff at Western Dovetail can help calculate the drawer sizes using the customer’s cabinet openings, combined with the hardware specifications to determine the required dimensions. Major brands of drawer slides are stocked in-house and can be shipped with the drawers including conventional side mount slides.


Drawer Tip
When using a drawer or hardware product for the first time, do a mock up to familiarize yourself with the installation procedures before placing an order.