Drawer runners
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Welcome! / Forums / General Woodworking Discussions / Woodworking Methods and Techniques / Drawer runners
Why do most shop bought cabinets with drawers make use of runners and all the drawers I see made here do not make use of any runners but instead glides on the wood frame directly? Is it not better to make use of runners for longevity?
Although , depending of the wood used, it would take some time to wear the drawer to such an extend that it comes unusable, I would recommend to at least wax the drawer where it is chafing.
Otherwise, flip the drawer, light a candle and let candle wax drip where needed.Scrap the excess candle wax.
Hoping the hot liquid wax will penetrate a little bit in the wood.
In my limited experience looking at old furniture, it’s amazing how many ways there are to install a drawer. On the frame, a center runner, dadoed side rails. And I imagine the longevity depends a lot on the type of wood, and how often the drawer will be used.
Also good to note is that there is lots of furniture that is hundreds of years old, still functional and looking good with drawers on wooden runners or the frame, while modern metal runners can’t be expected to work more than a couple decades.
And there’s something to be said for simplicity.
On the other hand, modern runners have their advantages. They are very easy to open/close, prevent slamming, assisted closing, etc., and can be easier to repair.