Tip #67
Basic Drawer Construction
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Fig. 5

STEP FOUR: Bottom grooves. To hold the bottom of the drawer in place, cut the 1/4" wide x 1/4" deep groove along the inside bottom of the front, the sides, and the back. Use the drill press and a 1/4" router bit to rout the grooves. Groove the front between the two dovetail slots (see Fig.5), then groove the entire length of the sides and back (see Fig. 6). Make at least two passes for each groove.

Fig. 6

WARNING: Use finger boards when routing grooves.

STEP FIVE: Drawer bottom. To find the size of the drawer bottom, dry assemble the front, sides and back. Measure the inside length and width of the drawer, then add 3/8" to each dimension to get the length and width of the bottom. For best results, use 1/4" plywood for the bottom. Cut the bottom to size.

Fig. 7

STEP SIX: Assembly--the final step. Sand all parts thoroughly. Then apply a very thin layer of a slow-setting glue (liquid hide glue or plastic resin glue) on the dovetail tenons and in the dovetail slots (see Fig. 7). Slide the dovetails together. Push the bottom into place and apply glue to the rabbets in the back. Position the back, and with wire brads or screws, secure the rabbet joint (see Fig. 8).

Fig. 8

SUMMARY: Although the previous steps list specific dimensions and depths of cuts, it's important to remember that since all joints are cut to fit, you must compensate for any variations in actual measurements. By all means, if in doubt, measure what you've just done before you move onto the next step.

Jig - Click image for larger view.

Assembly - Click image for larger view.

Top View - Click on image for larger view.

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Back to Steps 1, 2 & 3