Make a Riser For Your Computer Monitors

Complete the Drawer Assembly

When the drawer sides all fit together nicely, mark the inside of each piece with a pencil to denote each piece's relation to the other pieces, then disassemble the drawer parts.

Next, we'll be cutting the groove for the drawer bottoms in the sides. You could perform this task with a stacked dado set in your table saw, but this would make the ends of the grooves visible in some of the completed dovetail joints.

A more attractive solution is to install a 1/4" straight-cutting bit in the router in your router table. Set the fence 1/4" away from the bit, and make a pencil mark on the fence (perpendicular to the table) 1/2" on either side of the bit.

Turn on the router and position the stock, angled so that the back of the piece rests on the table, but the front of the piece is just above the bit at the first mark. Ease the stock down onto the bit, then move the piece forward to the second mark. Lift the stock off of the bit, and you have a clean groove that doesn't cut through the completed dovetails.

Next, cut the 1/4" thick plywood (for the drawer bottom) into two pieces 9-11/16" x 12-15/16". This should leave 1/16" space in the grooves to allow for expansion when the unit is completed.

Now that all of the parts are ready for assembly, give each piece a initial sanding. It will be easier to sand the drawer now than after it is completed.

Begin the assembly by attaching the front and back to one of the side pieces. Place a small amount of glue on all surfaces of each dovetail joint, and slip them together. Next, slide the drawer bottom into the grooves of the partially assembled drawer (no glue on the drawer bottom). Finally attach the second drawer side (with glue) to finish the assembly.

Place the assembly in clamps and cross-measure diagonally to check the unit for square. Allow the assembly to dry overnight.