The Basics of Dovetail Drawer Making

Once the glue in the joints of the drawer box has had time to dry, we'll prepare to complete the drawer. Begin by sanding the box and the dovetail joints with progressively finer grits of sandpaper until the joints and drawer box are smooth.

Set the box aside. Measure and cut the drawer front as designated by the plans for the project you are building and apply the decorative edge with the appropriate router bit if necessary. Sand the drawer front, again employing progressively finer grits of sandpaper.

Place the decorative drawer front onto the front of the drawer box and position it into the exact required location. Clamp the drawer front in place and attach to the dovetail drawer box with a few countersunk wood screws.

After the appropriate finish has been applied, attach the drawer pulls in their proper locations. Be sure to pre-drill the holes for the drawer pulls.