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There was a thread on either FWW or FHB recently on using bottom mount drawer slides (the type that mount at the corners and wrap around the sides and bottom). The poster stated that he just attached the drawer bottoms directly to the bottoms of the drawer sides, instead of dadoing the traditional 1/4″ groove in the sides and installing the bottom in the dado. He indicated that the wrap around design of the slides held the bottom in place securely, without the need for the dado.
This sounds like it might be a more effecient way to build drawers when using BM slides, besides giving an extra 1/2″ or so drawer depth. I intend to try this method on an upcoming entertainment center on drawers for VCR tapes. I would welcome comments from anyone else using this procedure. Any problems with squaring the drawer, etc? Thanks. GP
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GP, I've been building drawers this way for 12 years without any callbacks. I also use 1/2" material instead of 1/4"-maybe overkill, but I haven't had any customers complain about the drawers being too sturdy, either. Most drawer failure I've seen is either the bottom coming loose or the glue joints in the corners of the drawer box failing. Now I know they aren't as pretty as dovetails, but this joint is stronger than most and since I have a router & table dedicated for drawers, therefore having no setup time, it is very fast. The 1/2" Baltic birch ply is actually approx 1/32 shy, if you don't figure this in your drawer box ends up a heavy 1/16 small. Cut your 1/2 bottom the correct size(making sure it is square) flush what will be the front of the drawer box to the bottom making sure you are centered. I use glue & staples- staple off the front, after making sure you are centered staple off the back & sides,running the sides parallel. Once you screw the slides on the bottom, the edge of the bottom is hidden by the slide, & the gap between the slide & the side of the drawer is so small it isn't noticed. This also allows for some adjustment if your drawer feels tight-pull off the slides, buzz some of the overhanging bottom off & try again-
good luck,
gb
was gonna attach a pic- batteries are down - pic coming later...
*found my old pic...
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