How to Build a Dovetailed Drawer
Dovetail joints are considered an art form for some woodworkers. These joints, commonly used when building a drawer, not only have an attractive look, but they provide durability. Woodworkers used to make these joints with simple hand tools. Today, there is an easier way to incorporate these joints into a project.
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Things You'll Need
- Wood planks
- Saw
- Dovetail fixture
- Router
- Guide bushing
- Dovetail bit
- Wood glue
- Frame clamp
Instructions
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Begin the process by mapping out the dimensions of your drawer. You will need four planks of wood. The type of wood you use is entirely up to you. Take the wood panels and measure the height and length of each. Cut in equal lengths so that the front panel of the drawer matches the back panel, and the left and right sides match.
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Layout the frame for the drawer and label each wood panel. This will clear up any confusion when it is time to use the dovetail fixture and cut out the joints. For example, write on each piece of wood, identifying which panel is the front, back, left and right side. Next, write an "R" or "L" on the left and right side of each panel.
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3
Take two wood panels and secure them into the dovetail fixture. The panels will be perpendicular in the fixture. One panel should rest on the table top, while the adjoining panel hangs off the fixture toward the floor. The left side of one panel should meet with the left side of the other panel. A cutting template then goes over the area where the ends of the panels meet and is secured in place. This template will have the exact measurements to create the sockets and pins.
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Take a router with a dovetail bit and a guide bushing. The guide will help prevent any splintering that might occur when cutting out the joints. Use the router and cut from left to right over the panels by following the template. If done correctly, the panels will have accurate pins and sockets that will fit together. Repeat this process for the remaining panels. All of the panels that meet on the dovetail fixture should be left to left or right to right. There will never be a right panel meeting a left panel.
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5
After the joints have been added to each panel, apply wood glue to the sides of the socket. Connect the panel with the pins into the panel with the sockets. Make sure that the appropriate panels are connected. The front panel and back panels will join with the left and right panels. Secure the panels with frame clamps. One clamp on the back of the drawer and one on the front. This will help to bond the glue to the joints.
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