| Arts and Crafts Library Desk -- Drawers |
From "Wood Works"
episode WWK-204 |
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Desk Drawers With the desk's base and drawer-frame assembly complete, the next phase in the library desk project is to build the three desk-drawers. The drawers are fashioned from 3/4-inch maple. Since all three drawers are the same length, the side pieces can be batch-cut on the table saw. Materials: Maple stock for drawer sides
Oak stock for drawer-fronts
1/4-inch maple plywood stock for bottom panels
1/4-inch walnut dowels
Table saw
Biscuit joiner; zero biscuits
Table router; spiral carbide bit
Drill press
Flush-trim saw
Hand scraper
Sanding block; 220-grit sandpaper
Yellow wood-glue Carpenter's pencil
Clamps
Safety glasses or goggles
Note: Cut sizes may vary. For exact measurements, please contact David Marks through his Web site -- information below under Resources. Safety Alert: Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses when working with wood, saws, drills, routers, etc. Steps: - The piece of oak stock that was marked and cut in an earlier segment for making the front apron on the desk is now used to make the drawer fronts. Using the remaining piece of oak, which was carefully marked and laid out earlier, will allow for a uniform grain pattern across the entire face of the desk. The piece is marked with cabinet-maker's triangles along the top edge (figure A) so that, once cut into the three pieces that will form the drawer-front, the pieces can be assembled to maintain the continuity of the grain pattern.
- The stock is cut to length on the table saw (figure B) to create the two short outside drawer-fronts and the single, long center drawer-front. They are cut slightly oversized.
- A fence is then attached to the table saw to cut the maple drawer-backs to the same lengths as the matching drawer-fronts.
- Next, cut a 1/4-inch dado in the front and side stock of the drawers (figure C). The dado -- cut with two passes on the table saw -- will be used to support the plywood bottom panel for the drawer.
- Raise the blade on the table-saw, and cut the maple stock for the back of the drawer to width. The width of the stock is less than that of the front and side pieces (figure D) in order to accommodate the plywood bottom.
- To make the joinery for the drawers, cut a rabbet in the front and back pieces using the table router and a spiral carbide router bit. Raise the bit for the correct depth (figure E), and make the rabbet in two passes on the router table (figure F).
- A jig made of MDF helps support the stock, and hold the board securely to the fence as the passes are made on the router (figure G). The resulting cuts create square rabbets.
- Glue the parts of the three drawers together using yellow glue. Apply the glue to the connecting surfaces of the drawers (figure H).
- Since the assembly table provides a flat surface, the drawers are glued up in an upside-down position, with the dados -- that will hold the bottom panel -- facing up (figure I).
- With the sides, front and back pieces assembled, and clamped secure, take the measurements needed for cutting the bottom panels (figure J).
Repeat these steps for all three of the drawers. - Using 1/4-inch maple plywood, cut all three drawer-bottom panels (figure K ) to proper dimensions on the table saw.
- With the drawer-frames dry, and the panels cut to size, slide the bottom panels into the dado slots (figure L).
- Apply a little yellow glue to prevent the bottoms from rattling, and use wood screws to secure them in place (figure M). Once the drawers are assembled, a decorative and functional feature can be added to enhance the drawers' strength. Using a drill press, carefully drill three holes along the edge of each corner for insertion of 1/4-inch wood dowels.
- Once drilled, apply some wood glue into the holes (figure N) and insert the dowels and gently tap them in place using a small hammer (figure O).
- For decorative effect, contrasting dark walnut dowels were used.
- Level the dowel pins by trimming away any excess with a flush-trim saw.
- Use a hand-scraper and sanding block to make them perfectly smooth and flush with the side surface of the drawer.
In the segment that follows, the desk-top is installed and a wood finish is applied.
Sponsored Resource
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RESOURCES :
Fine Woodworking
A magazine devoted to high-quality craftsmanship in woodworking.
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com
The Small Wood Shop (The Best of Fine Woodworking)
Author: Helen Albert (Editor)
Publisher: Taunton Press
ISBN: 1561580619
Woodworking Techniques: Best Methods for Building Furniture from Fine Woodworking
Author: Editors of Fine Woodworking magazine
Publisher: Taunton Press
ISBN: 1561583456
Mastering Woodworking Machines (Fine Woodworking Book)
Author: Mark Duginske
Publisher: Taunton Press
ISBN: 0942391985
David Marks Website
David Marks, DIY's Wood Works host, is a master woodworker. For more information on cut sizes and project details, please contact him via his Website at www.djmarks.com
The Complete Book of Wood Joinery
Author: Robert J. Decristoforo
Publisher: Sterling Publishing Co.
ISBN: 0806999500
Popular Woodworking
F & W Publications, Inc.
Website: www.popularwoodworking.com
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