Replies

1. 
   DougF | Oct 28, 2005 04:34pm | #1

   Will, the issue is more in the thickness of the wood rather than the size of the drawer if you are doing half-blind dovetails.  I have done half-blind dovetails of 3/8 material with my Leigh jig but it is tricky.  Otherwise, through dovetails, at least using a jig, are no problem at all in the dimensions you contemplate.   Since I don't hand-cut my dovetails, I can't speak to problems of chiseling/working thin stock. 

2. 
   BG | Oct 28, 2005 04:57pm | #2

   Will,
   I'm not sure what problems your anticipating. I usually use 3/8" drawer sides that are thru dovetails on the back side and half blinds on the front....however, I do like when the front piece is at least 1/2" and peferably 5/8". The only problem I've had, is that with a thin front piece, the dovetails can look kinda like 'chicklets' unless they are kept thin.

3. 
   SteveSchoene | Oct 28, 2005 07:02pm | #3

   Its a little unclear what you have in mind.  When you say "complete dovetails" I assume you mean through dovetails, even on the drawer fronts.  That can work well and give an interesting look if well executed.  No problem using 3/8" stock for that. 

   However, you say dovetails on "all mating surfaces".  If you mean this to include the drawer bottom, using solid wood for the bottom would give you cross grain situations and since with dovetails there is no room for play, something would have to give, most likely causing wood to split.  If you could stomach the look, you could dovetail a good quality plywood to the sides, front and back, but most people don't like the look of the exposed plys. 

    

1. 
   WillGeorge | Oct 28, 2005 07:53pm | #4

   Sorry folks! Just stupid old me..Just for the 'look' of it.. I wanted to use though dovetails in ALL of the joints.. Sides, front, back AND the bottom joints....I made one and I like the way it looks.. I KNOW it is against all rules but... Just wondering if they will last..I have soaked it in water overnight... Put it out in the sun to dry and did this several times.. Even put it in the freezer and then put out in the sun.. I have not seen any cracks or splits..Just wondering if anyone else has done this with success?Just a sort of jewelry box with several drawers.. The drawers will be seen from the outside on all sides..It is based on this design but not quite the same...
   http://www.jeffgreefwoodworking.com/pnc/Boxes/Oriental/index.htmlEDIT:: Just lookin' fer opinions.. Will NOT 'hold' ya to it!

   Edited 10/28/2005 12:55 pm by WillGeorge

4. 
   Steinmetz | Oct 29, 2005 06:17am | #5

   Wooden drawers? Sounds itchy. Who are the drawers for, Spongebob Squarepants? Woolen is a better choice. (specially this time of year.) ED.

1. 
   kenwerner | Oct 29, 2005 01:34pm | #6

   If the wooden drawers are small enough, you can carry em in your woolen drawers. If not, then the woolen drawers have to go in the wooden drawers.
   ; )Ken Werner

2. 
   WillGeorge | Oct 29, 2005 09:22pm | #7

   Smart ####.. LOL....