Replies

1. 
   pzgren | Apr 15, 2006 12:13am | #1

   Try Rob Cosman's video on building drawers. It is superb!!

   http://www.lie-nielsen.com/catalog.php?grp=1320&sort=prd_author  The listing is sorted by author (first name...)

   James

1. 
   John_D | Apr 15, 2006 02:15am | #2

   I think the original poster would get a much more comprehensive idea of what he must do by looking at examples of and books about such construction.

   All Cosman does is ensure a rectangular cavity is squared, then fit a drawer precisely to fit the space, with hand tools.  There is only one drawer style addressed; the video would be relatively useless for learning to design a typical table with a false-front drawer and slides.

   Like you, I too think the Cosman drawer fitting DVDs (there are two in the package) are excellent, and definitely worth watching.  I learned some really interesting things I'd not seen addressed in other books, and that I'd certainly not thought of on my own.  But that video doesn't cover much the original poster is going to need to get this job figured out.My goal is for my work to outlast me.  Expect my joinery to get simpler as time goes by.

1. 
   pzgren | Apr 17, 2006 09:17pm | #4

   John,

     <<I think the original poster would get a much more comprehensive idea of what he must do by looking at examples of and books about such construction.>>

     Good point.

     My answer wasn't intended to be comprehensive, or even thorough. Just wanted to bring to the original poster's attention that there is information available that goes into great detail on what many consider the most difficult part of drawer-making (properly fitting the drawer to the carcass). I think the Cosman videos do a great job of showing the mechanics and principles of that part of drawer-making, and that the principles he shows are readily adaptable to any style/type of piece having drawers. 

     Once you know the principles and the basic mechanics, it's relatively easy to make them work for just about any specific piece/circumstance.

   <<But that video doesn't cover much the original poster is going to need to get this job figured out.>>

     You're absolutely right: there are much better resources (than the Cosman DVDs) available for the design and construction options part of drawer-making.

     Cheers!

   James

2. 
   Lataxe | Apr 15, 2006 03:04am | #3

   Taunton's Practical Design book has an excellent chapter (starting page 68) on drawer design and fitting strategies, by Will Neptune.  This book is one of the "Essentials of Woodworking" series.  I think this chapter is an expansion of an article in a back copy of FWW (can't remember which one but you can probably find it in the on-line index).

   I also like and use a drawer-making approach that I read in another old FWW.  These drawers don't have a bottom inserted into a groove around the inside of the drawer but instead have the drawer box attached with glue/screws to a separate bottom consisting of ply rabetted into wide, flat runners.  The runners prevent the drawer from wearing a groove in the drawer guides, over time. 

   Also, the drawer carcass, apart from the front panel, is made 1mm less wide than the bottom, which is itself an exact fit between the drawer guides.  This means the drawer never sticks but still looks absolutely flush in the table opening.

   Lataxe

1. 
   John_D | Apr 18, 2006 12:03am | #5

   I'll cast another vote for Practical Design.  Excellent all-round discussion of how to design a drawer (or drawers) into a table.My goal is for my work to outlast me.  Expect my joinery to get simpler as time goes by.