The Basics of Dovetail Drawer Making

By Chris Baylor, About.com Guide

One of the most fundamental skills of cabinetry or fine furniture making is building dovetail drawers. A well-built dovetail drawer is not only incredibly strong and long-lasting, but is aesthetically beautiful. One way to identify a woodworker's skill level is to check and see how well they build the dovetail drawers in their projects.

In this set of free woodworking plans, we take you step-by-step through the process of building dovetail drawers. Once you understand the basics, you'll be able to consistently make beautiful dovetail drawers for your woodworking projects.

Difficulty Level

• Woodworking: Moderate
• Finishing: Paint or Stain and Polyurethane

Time to Complete

• 2 Hours

Recommended Tools

• Miter Saw or Circular Saw
• Router in Router Table with 1/4" straight bit
• Dovetail Jig & Router Bits

Materials Needed
• 1x4 - Poplar or Pine for sides
• 1/4" plywood for bottom
• 1x6 - Stock for drawer front
• Drawer Handles
• Tape Measure
• Pencil
• Woodworker's Glue
• 1-inch wood screws
• Paint or Stain of color of choice
• Sandpaper