The Basics of Dovetail Drawer Making

With the four sides in place, clamp the tail boards together with some long clamps to hold the unit while the glue dries. Be sure to cross-measure to check the unit for square before setting it aside to dry. Adjust the dovetail drawer box if it is out of square and re-clamp.

TIP: Always clamp the drawer with a couple of clamps on the bottom and at least one clamp on the top of the drawer. Check the four joints to make sure they are properly seated. Tap the joint with your rubber mallet to tighten the joint if needed.

It is also a good idea to use a couple of pieces of scrap stock between the jaws of the clamps and the tail boards to prevent any scarring from the clamps.

Set aside the assembly to dry.