Replies

1. 
   joinerswork | Mar 01, 2005 05:36am | #1

   Jack,

   What you need is a filler (guide) inside the opening on each side, to keep the drawer in line front to back, and a bearer under each side to support the weight.  It'll be a bit of a pain to work around the diagonal braces for the legs, but it looks like you are pretty firmly committed to the design you've got at this point. 

   Good luck,

   Ray

2. 
   TimLoupe | Mar 01, 2005 08:45am | #2

   Jack,

   I just built a sofa table with a wide shallow drawer, the big problem , if yor not using mechanical glides, is the drawer gets cocked in the opening as you push it in. What I did was put two wooden glides underneath the drawer for it to slide on, but no side rails what I did instead was put a center guide in the middle of the drawer to hold it left to right. Some people use a "T" glide and you can find them made allready, buy from the looks of it , you can also make one yourself . I didnt have enough room for any of that so I used a 1/4 " brass rod as a rail with a block of wood drilled on the back of the drawer bottom to keep the drawer centered .Nice project buy the way post a picture when you done.

   Tim

3. 
   CajunDan | Mar 01, 2005 04:30pm | #3

   Nice work! How did you flute the legs?

   The only thing I would suggest, besides drawer supports is a coat of finish on the inside of the piece, too. That helps prevent warping.

   Regards,

   Dan

1. 
   WestTexan | Mar 01, 2005 05:17pm | #6

   Dan,

   I can't take credit for the legs I bought two off of ebay and the other two at lowes.  Thanks for the advice!

4. 
   Buzzsaw | Mar 01, 2005 04:38pm | #4

   Jack,

     Nice job.  What did you use to cut the dovetails?

   Regards,

   Buzzsaw

1. 
   WestTexan | Mar 01, 2005 05:32pm | #7

   Thanks!  I have spent COUNTLESS hours trying to figure out how to make my dovetail jig work.  Especially since the manual that came with it WASNT EVEN CLOSE!  Luckily i came across a thread in the archives that helped tremendously.

   I used the dovetail "machine" and 1/2 template from Harbor Freight and a 1/2 dovetail bit that i got for christmas (asked for a lie-nielsen dovetail saw, santa thought i was crazy :)

   Thanks for your replies!

   Jack

1. 
   Buzzsaw | Mar 01, 2005 06:53pm | #8

   Those dovetails look awesome.  I'm currently building a coffee table with drawers and I'm going to attempt to cut them by hand as I have been practicing.Regards,

   Buzzsaw

5. 
   GRW | Mar 01, 2005 05:07pm | #5

   WestTexan,

   All the ideas you've recieved are good ones.  I would just add that over the coat of finish in the interior, (a good thick coat an all surfaces where the drawer will ride) I would add a coat of wax. (Butcher, or Trewax with carnauba)  This will reduce friction and wear on the drawer and glides. 

6. 
   chatobob | Mar 01, 2005 09:20pm | #9

   Since this was a learning experience, next time don't make a drawer that big.  It's hard to tell from the pictures, but it looks like two or three drawers would fit the length of the table.  Not only are smaller drawers easier to slide,  chances are all three, in this case, would not be open at the same time.  Have you loaded the drawer and opened it fully?  Does the table want to tip over?  Where is the center of gravity with the drawer loaded and open?  We wouldn't want an accident to happen!

   -Bob

1. 
   WestTexan | Mar 02, 2005 12:32am | #11

   Thanks Bob,Sounds like experience talking, lol. I wouldnt have thought of that until i was picking up shattered pieces of glass off the ground. I will take that into consideration on my next project.Thanks,Jack

7. 
   mvac | Mar 01, 2005 10:36pm | #10

   WT,

   "Being the green weekend woodworker that I am..."

   Nice try, buddy. If that's what you produce as a newbie, I can't wait to see your "seasoned" work. I have nothing to add other than "nice job," and we all make mistakes...well, not me, really... :-)

   Mitch

   "I'm always humbled by how much I DON'T know..."