Cutting bottom on half blind dovetail box

[Joe Cowan]

I have set up my jig and am ready to cut the dovetails for my drawers. Just wondering if it would be any benefit to run the groove for the 1/4" plywood bottom, on the inside sides of the drawers prior to cutting the dovetails? I would worry about chip out if the dovetail bit hit the edge, but that could happen regardless. I would probably leave the drawer front to do afterwards, just thinking about running the sides first with the table saw. BTW, I will use DT's for the front and am using a drawer mitre bit for the back joints.

[Prashun Patel]

I cut the dovetails first, and rip the groove through the bottom dovetail last. I haven't had issues with tear out. I never even considered that.... Got lucky, I guess!

[Marty Tippin]

Last time I made HB dovetail drawers, the stock I used for the sides already had the groove cut. I don't recall any issues with the dovetail jig (Leigh RTJ400) when I cut them. I believe I cut the groove in the drawer front also prior to doing the dovetails.

[Lee Schierer]

I cut the dovetails first, then cut the groove.