i am building a dresser. If I build the carcass out of 3/4 oak ply, how much do I sand the inside? Do I stain and finish the inside?
I made 1/4 inch deep dados, should I use those fat screws that comercial cabinet makers use or Should I just use 1 1/4″ #8 screws. I noticed that norm abrams uses 4p finish nails toe nailed in. I only have a brad nailer.
I am going to buy drawer glides. Should I buy the ones that go in the middle of the sides or the bottom of the sides?
Replies
wanabe,
There is no reason to sand or finish the inside of a cabinet or chest that the user won't see, in my opinion. A chest of drawers interior won't be seen unless someone takes the drawers out. Everytime I've removed a drawer from any piece of furniture I've ever seen, the inside is unfinished.
There has been some discussion about the material warping or cupping if unfinished on one side. I've never seen. I've built chests out of cabinet grade plywood and solid materials and it simply hasn't happened. Same the time and use it to get a good finish.
As far as screws go, I'm fairly sure that either type would be fine. I believe that Norm only uses those nails to hold until the glue dries so it's not the nails that are maintaining the joint, it's the glue.
Hope this helps.
Kell
Edited 5/12/2003 1:17:42 PM ET by Kell
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