Bud

[Bud]

I'm a newbie and need some direction. I'm starting to build my workshop and really have no idea how to do drawers.

Bud:

[DonHo]

For Shop drawers made quickly I've used pocket screws to attach the ends to the side and then a second drawer front hides the screws. A dado around the bottom of each side and end contains the bottom made of 1/4" ply.

I've also made drawers by just cutting rabbets on the ends of the side pieces and then glue and brad the ends in place. Bottoms done the same as above.

If you are wanting to build your woodworking skills as well as make even stronger drawers you can dovetail or use box joints to join the drawer pieces.

DonHo

[Ken Massingale]

As Don mentioned, rabbeted drawers are about the best to start with. They are easy to do and fairly strong. The rabbets can be done with a router or tablesaw.
If you need more info to get started let me know.
ken

[Tom Miller]

You're probably going to think this advice sucks (if you're as impatient as me), but you should seriously consider getting a book on general cabinet construction. There are a few out there that will show diagrams of all the different types of drawer styles, from "just good enough for the shop" to "oh, I don't see that ever happening".

Recently I picked up this one, which is a pretty decent price with free shipping.

Regards,
Tom

[Tom Miller]

I just came across this jpeg of my "quick-n-dirty" shop drawer design. I use plywood sides, and 1/4" hardboard bottoms, so I don't have to worry about wood movement. The drawer bottom sits in dado grooves cut on all 4 sides.

This design assumes I'll attach drawer fronts someday. Silly design!



Regards,
Tom

[Bud]

Thanks, for the input

It's been kind of exciting with this new saw, ready to throw the delta away.

Bud

[L. D. Jeffries]

All my drawers are made like the post pics from Tom Miller. Not hard to do and hold with no racking or whatever. Have fun!

[leehljp]

I usually make mine like Tom posted also. Be prepared to make a few mistakes the first time through and learn from it - or you can just plan on making a "mock up" one first. Then you won't be disappointed if the first one does not turn out right.

Believe it or not, I generally picture a whole project in my head complete with dimensions before starting. BUT I have problems visualizing all of the rabbits and dados on a simple drawer all at once. These, I have to mark down on a piece of paper - as to which side to do what.

[JimD]

Initially I made drawers, including for cabinets, using 3/4 softwood glued and screwed together with the screws covered by plugs. I have furniture more than 20 years old that was made this way that still works fine. I dadoed for the drawer bottoms but otherwise used no joints.

I like dovetails these days and consider them easier to make the what Tom recommends but it takes several additional tools and a little practice to learn.

Jim

[monte]

I just came across this jpeg of my "quick-n-dirty" shop drawer design. I use plywood sides, and 1/4" hardboard bottoms, so I don't have to worry about wood movement. The drawer bottom sits in dado grooves cut on all 4 sides.

This design assumes I'll attach drawer fronts someday. Silly design!

[ATTACH]397[/ATTACH]

Regards,
Tom

Tom's design is a very good one and one that I use in my shop when making drawers.

[gmack5]

Got to thinking about your post and remembered an article that I'd saved about "Drawer Basics" that you might find interesting.
Only problem is that it exceeds the maximum size allowed on the forum. It's a 352 Kb pdf file.

I guess I could Email it to you, if you'd like.
Send me an Email and I'll attach it to the reply.

[Bud]

I ordered the book, I will also email you gmack5, thanks guys

Bud