Building drawers for cabinets requires the proper tools, good measurements and patience.
Drawers are about as handy as a pocket on a shirt. One set back experienced by consumers is the drawer space that comes in many kitchen and bathroom cabinets are inadequate. A great addition to any home is cabinets of only drawers that are specifically built to the consumers needs. Since this would vary between consumers, it is difficult to find a cabinet manufacturer who would be willing to accommodate the consumer without the project becoming extremely costly. Building drawers can be as simple as putting a drawer front on a box and can be as challenging as build drawers that fit into a cabinet behind doors. The ability to build drawers can lead to many do-it-yourself custom containers.
Instructions
Build a Set of Drawers
1. Determine the desired specifications of the drawer. For example, 6-inches tall, 15-inches wide and 22-inches deep. Write these measurements down.
2. Cut the1/2-inch plywood into blocks that are the length of the drawer. Then rip them to the height. This will be the sides of the drawers.
3. Set the fence of the table saw at 1/2-inch. Lower the blade to cut a depth of 1/4-inch and run the drawer sides through the saw to create the first cut of the dado needed for the drawer bottom.
4. Turn the table saw off. Measure the width of the blade and move the fence to the right that much. Make a second pass with the 1/2-inch plywood. Make certain to place the same edge as before against the fence of the table saw. Test the dado by sliding the 1/4-inch plywood into the dado just created. If needed, set the fence a little more to the right and make another pass. A snug fit is recommended.
5. Cut blocks for the fronts and backs by measuring the overall width of the drawer and subtracting 1-inch. Next, measure from the top of the drawer side to the top of the dado and rip the 1/2-inch plywood to create the fronts and the backs of the drawers.
Assembly and Bottoms
6. To make the bottoms of the drawers, measure the length of the drawer side and write it down. This will be the depth of the drawer bottom. Next, measure the width of the front of the drawer and add 7/16-inch to the measurement. This will be the width of the drawer bottom. Cut the needed parts.
7. Assemble the backs to the drawer sides by applying a bead of wood glue from the top of the dado to the top of the drawer side. Position the back over the bead of glue and secure it with the 1-inch brads. Clean off excess glue with a damp cloth.
8. Add the front of the drawer by applying a bead of wood glue from the top of the dado to the top of the drawer side and secure it with the 1-inch brads. Clean off excess glue with a damp cloth.
9. Insert the bottom to make certain the fit is correct. If so, apply a bead of glue to the bottom edge of the front and back and insert the bottom and secure it with the 1-inch brads. A snug fit is recommended when you are building drawers for cabinets -- you don't want them to squeak or be difficult to open.
10. Apply a bead of the glue on the exposed edges of the drawer front and back. Position the remaining drawer side in place and secure it with the 1-inch brads. Clean off excess glue with a damp cloth.
