Chest of Drawers: Info Page

Chest of Drawers: Info Page

Paul has designed and made this Shaker-style dresser or chest of drawers to demonstrate the techniques and considerations needed in larger case work. There are features surrounding the joinery that allow for the contraction and expansion of the wood, yet the same joinery ensures longevity in a piece designed to last through centuries of use. It can be adapted to individual needs and specification and is a great project to advance your woodworking skills.

Chest of Drawers: Episode 1

Chest of Drawers: Episode 1

In this first episode of the Chest of Drawers series Paul shows how to pick and prepare the wood for the sides and top of the dresser. Paul discusses his preferences for the exact configuration of the boards that make up the glued panels. He also edge joints and glues up those same panels ready for the first stages of construction.

Chest of Drawers: Episode 2

Chest of Drawers: Episode 2

We’re ready to work on the panels. Paul shows ways to fill any knots and surface defects, using super glue, epoxy and wax filler. Then it can be planed, which can be tricky with adverse grain, or scraped before cutting the boards to size. Paul ensures it is square and accurately sized in preparation for the joinery.

Chest of Drawers: Episode 4

Chest of Drawers: Episode 4

In this project, Paul uses frames to support the drawers. The first step is to cut the through housings into the side that will take the frames. Paul shows a few different techniques including using the saw. Then we can layout and cut the frame mortises and tenons that will provide the rigidity and strength of the drawers while allowing for expansion and contraction.

Chest of Drawers: Episode 5

Chest of Drawers: Episode 5

With the frames together, they can be fitted into the side panels. This involves cutting a tenon at either end of each rear divider rail which will through mortise towards the rear of the side panels. The mortise is cut first, with care taken to not damage the outside face of the side panel. Then the exact size of the tenon can be transferred from the mortise to ensure a perfect fit.

Chest of Drawers: Episode 6

Chest of Drawers: Episode 6

A dovetail is cut into each end of the front divider rails, which will recess into the front edge of the side panels. Paul has developed a jig to increase accuracy and consistency. This is used to cut the dovetails, which are then used one by one to layout each recess, before they are cut and fitted. Then we are ready to test the fit of all the frame joinery into the side pieces.

Chest of Drawers: Episode 7

Chest of Drawers: Episode 7

The next step is to layout and then cut the dovetails in the two upper rails which are to be fitted under the front and back of the chest top. Accuracy in layout, particularly for the sections that will be visible, is essential. Follow Paul step by step to get a tight fit as he works with adverse grain.

Chest of Drawers: Episode 9

Chest of Drawers: Episode 9

With the joints cut for the bottom cross rail, it can be arched along with the top rear cross rail. Before that, Paul rebates the top rear rail so it can sit on the back edge of the top. The arching can be done with a combination of ripping, stop cuts, planing, the spokeshave and the rasp. Then the bottom arching can be addressed using similar techniques.