Replies

1. 
   KeithNewton | Jul 10, 2006 03:58pm | #1

   The answers you get will be more on the money if you tell what kind of wood, and the size.

   Otherwise, if those dovetail runner are in slot into the side, they don't need to be glued in, just a dot or brad near the front will hold them in.

2. 
   ring | Jul 10, 2006 04:03pm | #2

   I'm not sure I understand the chest you describe.  If the grain on all sides is vertical, how will the lid and base be attached?  It seems that you may have more serious issues than the sliding dovetail you mention.  If you have decided to go against conventional wisdom in the grain directions, I would think you'd better have a good reason and some clever solutions to the wood movement.   The sliding DT is trivial - you don't need to glue it at all except for one small area near the front.

   Maybe if you post a sketch we could be of some help.

   DR  

1. 
   Rcohen81 | Jul 10, 2006 04:21pm | #3

   The grain direction is fairly typical for a tall chest. The sides are dovetailed into the top and bottom, while the back panel (fram and panel is recessed into the back.

3. 
   Rcohen81 | Jul 10, 2006 04:23pm | #4

   Thanks. The sides are cherry while the runners are hard maple

4. 
   DougF | Jul 10, 2006 04:31pm | #5

   I  don't know why you are adverse to using screws but here is an option.  If weight is not a factor and the dovetails are reasonably tight, glue the front 2" inches of the dovetailed guide and let the remaining portion float. 

   If weight may be an issue, route/drill elongated holes in the sides of the guides and use dowels to support the guides.  Glue the first 2" and use the dowels glued into the case work sides and extending through slots in the guides.  This will provide sheer support while permitting the wood to move.  For a 1/4" dowel I would make a 1/4" by 5/8" elongated through-slot, providing 5/16" each side of the dowel. The number of  dowels you need is really a factor of the weight of the drawers and the depth.  This arrangement will provide a stable platform for the drawer and let the sides move as they may.  Screws, rather than dowels, are usually the choice for this type of application.

   I would recommend finishing the inside of the chest to equalize moisture exchange and reduce the chance of warpage.  With larger solid lumber case work using drawer webs or guides such as you contemplate, the web/guides, when attached with screws, also serve as battens to help keep the boards flat.   

   Good luck with your project - Doug

5. 
   HowardAcheson | Jul 10, 2006 10:13pm | #6

   >> Can I glue the guides in place, even though their grain runs perpendicular to the chest sides?

   It seems many have missed the question. The answer is no. You can't glue in the guides. That would create a cross grain situation which would restrict the naturel expansion and contraction in the width of the sides. Wood will want to expand/contract as the relative humidity changes.

   If you wanted, you could use a sliding dovetail attachment of the guides to the sides. Glue only the first inch or so and let the rest of the be able to move.

   Howie.........