Router Cut Dovetails - Next Step Question

[A10snoopy]

I cut and routed dovetails on all four corners of three drawers for my workbench today. I dry fit them, and ran out of time in the day. Next step is cutting the groove for the the 1/4 inch plywood bottoms, and gluing up the drawers. My question is: since I will not have time to work on them before next weekend, should I leave them built up, or separate them into individual fronts, backs and sides?

[Jeffrey Schronce]

I can not see how it would matter. If the wood is properly dried prior to working it should not be moving any more or less just because you DT the ends.

[drumpriest]

I would probably not leave them together. Wood can indeed swell together if the humidity changes radically during your week, and you don't want to potentially blow out the 1/2 pins that are relatively unsupported without glue.

Do I really think this will happen? No, but why not be cautious?

[JimD]

I would separate them essentially because of the issue Keith raises. They are less susceptible to damage if they are separated. I usually have to separate completed joints with a mallet and I think they are harder to separate if they sit longer. If you or somebody else where to rack the joint before the bottom is inserted, you would also risk damage.

I cut the bottom groove with a couple passes on the table saw using my micropositioner to get the right width for the plywood.

Jim