This woodworking project is brought to you by Penalty Box Woodshop, and it’s perfect for anyone looking to streamline their drawer construction process. With the right setup, you won’t need nails or screws to hold your drawers together!
Materials and Tools Needed
- 1/2″ plywood for the drawer bottoms
- Table saw
- Dado stack
- Clamps
- Wood glue
Step 1: Setting Up Your Table Saw
To start, you’ll need to set up your table saw with a dado stack. The two outer blades are sufficient for this project. You might also need a couple of shims to ensure your dado is wide enough for a quarter-inch piece of plywood.
Step 2: Cutting Dados
With your dado stack in place, set the blade to a height of one quarter inch. You’ll begin by cutting a quarter-inch dado along the long edge of all four boards that will form the drawer.
Step 3: Preparing the Side Pieces
Next, take the side pieces and cut a quarter-inch dado along the short edges. Use a miter gauge for this step, ensuring you butt the board up against the fence for accurate cuts.
Step 4: Cutting the End Pieces
For the front and back pieces, stand the board on its edge and run it through the saw to create a rabbet on the back side. Make sure to use the taller fence for safety.
Step 5: Assembling the Drawer
Once all your dados and rabbets are cut, it’s time for assembly. Add glue to the dados, insert the end pieces, and then slide in the quarter-inch bottom panel. The fit should be snug but not overly tight.
Step 6: Clamping the Drawer
To secure your drawer while the glue dries, use just two clamps on the ends. This simple method allows for a quick and effective hold without the need for excessive clamps.
Step 7: Final Touches
After the glue has dried, your drawer will be ready for use. Optionally, you can add pin nails to the end grains for extra stability, but it’s not necessary.
And there you have it! A simple and effective way to build drawers without using nails or screws, thanks to the technique demonstrated by Penalty Box Woodshop.
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