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If you’re looking to learn how to build a chest of drawers, you might want to consider purchasing a plan. A plan is an intermediate-level set of instructions that walk you through all the steps necessary to build a chest of drawers. The plan includes a materials list, dimensions, and even dust frames. After purchasing a plan, you can begin building your own chest. To learn more, read on.
Plan is an intermediate level set of instructions that guides the builder in all the steps needed to make a chest of drawers
The basic design is similar to a traditional cabinet, with a stand in the center. The drawers sit atop a horizontal base, while the carcase rests on the front. The front is attached with 1” pocket holes. The back is attached using 1” nails and the bottom is slid into the grooves routed in the sides.
The first step is to determine the dimensions of the pieces. You need to determine the dimensions of the drawer slides to be used in the drawer. If you’re going with wooden drawer slides, make sure the wood is of good quality. If not, use metal ones to make the piece more durable. If you don’t want to use metal drawer slides, you can remove them with a chisel and save the bottom piece for reuse. You’ll also need a circular saw to cut off the sides and back pieces, which you can discard.
If you are a beginner or an intermediate level woodworker, you can start with a free dresser plan and create a unique, stylish piece for your home. Free plans range in size and shape, with different drawer sizes, heights, and widths. The free plans include detailed step-by-step building instructions, pictures, and material lists. The wide range of plans available makes this project ideal for beginners and intermediate woodworkers.
Materials needed
You can build a quality chest of drawers by following plans and following basic steps. Make sure you have the right materials and equipment before you begin. To build a chest of drawers, you will need 3/4″ plywood ripped to 24″ x 48″ and cut to 34 1/2″. You can also use a standard size piece of plywood for the drawer boxes. It will be cheaper to buy a ready-made chest of drawers, but this may not be as sturdy.
For the top and bottom of the chest, you need to cut three strips of plywood, each measuring about 3 inches wide and 5 3/4 inches long. Then, cut and fit these strips so they protrude about 3/4 inch from the surface of the plywood. This will help keep the chest sturdy. The back will not have strips. Make sure the drawers are level. Using a level will also help you make sure the chest fits into the wall.
Cut the top and bottom panels to the same size and shape. You will also need an air compressor and a nail gun to complete the project. Next, attach the front panel over the side panel at a 90o angle. Use two” brad nails to secure the panels to each other. Repeat for the back panel. Make sure the front panel matches the dimensions of the back panel. Use a continuous hinge, also called a piano hinge, to avoid installing several hinges at once.
Dimensions
There are many different types of chests of drawers and the dimensions can vary greatly. The dimensions of a small box are about 12″ x 14″ x 4″, while the dimensions of a medium box are about 28″ x 16″ x 6″. The Nelson ThreeLade chest of drawers from Herman Miller are 73″ high, 86″ wide, and 47″ deep.
When choosing a chest of drawer, measure the room in which you’ll be putting it. If it is intended for a child’s room, choose one that is not too tall and does not obstruct any closet or window. Drawer units should have metal runners that are easy to glide. Durable construction is also essential. You can make a rough estimate of the size of the chest of drawers you need by measuring the space on a piece of butcher paper or newspaper.
A chest of drawer can be narrow or deep, depending on the style and design of the piece. A traditional chest of drawers is 44″ – 60″ tall, 30″ – 40″ wide, and 16″ – 20″ deep. While a standard chest of drawer will eat up space, it will also make the room feel more spacious. If you’re looking for a low-profile chest of drawers, you can opt for a lowboy. Lowboys are smaller, but still offer a waist-high dressing table and a large amount of storage.
A chest of drawer is a great option for a small room. A chest of drawer with 38 inches of width will fit most bedrooms, yet still provide ample storage space. Drawer depths and heights range from five to twelve inches. Chests are also available in extra-large versions up to 36 inches. When choosing a chest of drawer, make sure to choose the right style and color for your bedroom.
Dust frames
A dust frame is a component that holds the drawer side assemblies together. These frames are made of one-half-inch-square stock and are used to support drawers that do not have slides. The frame consists of two long pieces that connect to three short pieces. Glue and screws are used to secure these pieces. They also serve as a support for the drawers. You can use wood glue or paraffin to help them adhere to the frame.
The use of dustboards dates to around the 1670s, when they served as guides for drawers, and supported the weight of the drawer across its entire surface. Dustboards were made of 1/2-inch-thick pine boards that were rubbed edge-to-edge, then inserted into housings in the ends of the carcase. They rarely extended the full depth of the carcase, but they did add strength to the piece. Most early models of these dustboards incorporated cross-grain D-moulding, which added an extra element of decorative detail. However, this style of dustboards is rarely used today, and is often limited to cheaply made pieces that were not yet in a great deal of demand.
Some pieces also feature dust panels on the front of the cabinet. These panels can prevent the drawers from becoming over-stuffed, and can keep mice from nesting in the pieces. Dust panels can also prevent people from pulling out the lower drawers to retrieve items. However, this decision is completely personal. If you’re considering purchasing a new chest of drawers, check out the dust panel options and their features. You’ll be glad you did!
Installing drawer slides
There are several ways to install drawer slides, but the most basic way is to pre-drill the holes before assembling the cabinet. Using a drill bit of the correct size, you can align the cabinet member with the mounting slots on the slide. Next, if you are using a non-releasing ball-bearing slide, you’ll need to drill an intermediate member. Slide the intermediate member over the attached cabinet member to complete the process.
To install a drawer slide, you’ll need to make sure you measure the inside of the drawer box and its width. You’ll also want to take into consideration the length of the drawer slide. For a standard size drawer, you’ll need to leave about a one-inch gap on either side to allow for the slats of the slide. If you’re using side-mount slides, you’ll want to allow for half-inch-wide side-walls to accommodate the slide.
Side-mount slides mount on the side of the drawer box. They’re popular on kitchen and utility cabinets. Side-mount slides come in two varieties: ball-bearing and epoxy/Euro. Ball-bearing slides offer smooth operation and high load capacities and feature a nylon roller in the track. The latter features a self-closing action and an opening detent. If you’re building a chest of drawers for your home, it’s worth looking into side-mount slides for maximum safety and convenience.
There are many types of drawer slides, each with its own set of pros and cons. Selecting the right one for your needs is crucial. The type of slide will determine how your drawers function and look. You’ll want to take into consideration the cost and the finish. Consider the aesthetics of the drawers, as well as the durability of the drawer slides. You might also consider using metal slides, which offer functionality not found in wooden slides.
