Results 1 to 7 of 7

Thread: Armoire drawer construction questions....

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2004
    Location
    MA. & CA.
    Posts
    247

    Armoire drawer construction questions....

    I am building a Curly Mahogany Armoire with raised panel doors on the top half, and 3 drawers on the bottom half. The drawer fronts will be Curly Mahogany-I was thinking about making them as Half-Blind Dovetails or Sliding Dovetails or ?
    Questions:
    1. For the drawer sides and back, which wood should I use (Fronts will be Curly Mahogany and bottoms will be Baltic Birch Plywood.) ?
    A. Poplar?
    B. Which other woods can be used?
    C. Baltic Birch Plywood (not for the half-blind?)—For the sliding dovetails?
    2. Any other suggestions for the drawer construction? (not half-blind or sliding).
    3. Any finishing suggestions for Curly Mahogany?
    Thanks so much,
    Phil

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    SF Bay Area, CA
    Posts
    15,332
    I like to use more stable plywood for drawer boxes. Solid wood can move and potentially cause problems later on but many successfully use hardwood boxes all the time. The only issue with plywood is the "end grain" layers...you'll want to edge-band it.

    Also, the size of the box might dictate a plywood preference over hardwood or vice versa.

    My favorite and easy to apply finish is Velvit Oil. It is basically a wiping varnish (oil) and I love it.
    Wood: a fickle medium....

    Did you know SMC is user supported? Please help.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    Brentwood & Altamont, TN
    Posts
    2,334
    Hi Phil,

    You didn't mention the style of the piece and that may not be a factor to you but, in my period pieces I make the drawer interiors similar to the way they would have been in the original piece. I like and use poplar, maple, birch, ash, and oak depending on the piece. Quarter sawn stock is the best. BB ply will work and it is resistant to wood movement but, I wouldn't want to put such great exterior woordwork over an interior that didn't reflect the same level of dedication. But, that's just me. I typically use HB dovetail on most of my drawers.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    Philadelphia, Pa
    Posts
    2,266
    Hard maple is my drawer parts wood of choice. If you look around, quartered is available.
    Alan Turner
    Philadelphia Furniture Workshop

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Laguna Beach , Ca.
    Posts
    7,201
    Maple is a good choice and very nice to dovetail
    "All great work starts with love .... then it is no longer work"

  6. #6
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Location
    N Illinois
    Posts
    4,602
    Poplar or Maple are my choices. I use 1//2 " ply on bigger, functional projects where the furniture look is not as critical. Just IMHO
    Jerry

  7. #7
    Quote Originally Posted by Chris Barton
    ...I wouldn't want to put such great exterior woordwork over an interior that didn't reflect the same level of dedication...
    Ditto.

    -joe
    Illegitimi non carborundum

    "If you walk, just walk, if you sit, just sit, but whatever you do, don't wobble."
    -Zen Master Unmon

    To gain additional features, benefits and ad-free access to SMC
    CLICK --> http://www.sawmillcreek.org/donate.php

Similar Threads

  1. Seeking Opinions on Drawer construction
    By Ed Blough in forum General Woodworking and Power Tools
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 07-13-2006, 11:22 AM
  2. Drawer Glide questions
    By Mark Rios in forum General Woodworking and Power Tools
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 04-16-2006, 9:25 PM
  3. Drawer Construction, Runners and Dividers
    By Brian Green in forum General Woodworking and Power Tools
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 03-24-2004, 10:49 AM
  4. Drawer construction
    By Mark Singer in forum Neanderthal Haven
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 12-26-2003, 1:05 PM
  5. dresser drawer construction
    By Stephen Sebed in forum General Woodworking and Power Tools
    Replies: 14
    Last Post: 07-23-2003, 7:01 AM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •