8 Drawer Dresser Build Pics

[Mike Allen1010]

This is a mostly Neander build of an 8 drawer dresser for our 21-year-old son. This is sort of a quick and dirty, seat-of-the-pants build I wasn’t planning on posting, so I didn’t take pictures of some of the early stages and od some of hand tool nitty-gritty. Nonetheless, I was encouraged to post what I have (Dave, this means I officially blame you J), so my apologies for some of stuff that was left out.

Apparently the LOML thinks it’s no longer appropriate for our 6’ 4” youngest to have the “Snoopy” dresser that has served him well since he was a little boy. I’m not exactly sure why this is on the Bosses radar screen now given that he’s away at school and won’t be home until summer, but clearly “mine is not to reason why…”

There were two requests for this dresser: it should be low enough to go under a window and also serve as someplace to put a TV, and it needs to “match” a sort of Asian style bed and nightstand I built for him.
I confess my loose interpretation of the “Asian style” low platform bed I built for our youngest at his request, isn’t my favorite style and I wasn’t really excited about building a dresser in a similar style, mainly because the previous stuff was darkly stained, which isn’t my favorite way to go as I typically fail miserably with any type of “tinted/colored” finish.
http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/mikeallen1010/Reeces%20dresser/1_zpsqvdw54hl.jpg (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/mikeallen1010/media/Reeces%20dresser/1_zpsqvdw54hl.jpg.html)

Dimensions are 60” long x 31” high x 20” deep. I built this out of BORG pine.

I started with the frame and panel carcass ends. The pine is so soft it was easy to use a rabbit plane to do the raised panel and molding plane to create the bead on the inside of the frame. Joinery was M&T’s (sorry no pics). The panel on the left is upside down – the wider portion of the sapwood figure was intended to go at the bottom of the panel – opps! Just one of many screw up’s that happen for me especially during glue up.


http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/mikeallen1010/Reeces%20dresser/2_zpstdnonkcm.jpg (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/mikeallen1010/media/Reeces%20dresser/2_zpstdnonkcm.jpg.html)

4 drawers on each side means 5 horizontal web frames. Here is a picture of the components:

http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/mikeallen1010/Reeces%20dresser/3_zpsinmcgwcr.jpg (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/mikeallen1010/media/Reeces%20dresser/3_zpsinmcgwcr.jpg.html)


Given runners/kickers on both sides and in the middle 5 x 6 = 30 joints. In the interest of speed I opted for dowling these joints given they wouldn’t really bear much load. Here is the bottom web frame assembled and the components for the top web frame and central vertical dividers.

http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/mikeallen1010/Reeces%20dresser/4.5_zpsvdqorspi.jpg (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/mikeallen1010/media/Reeces%20dresser/4.5_zpsvdqorspi.jpg.html)


Top web frame is dovetailed into carcass sides in front and Dowell joints pushed home to allow back stretcher DT’s to seat.

http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/mikeallen1010/Reeces%20dresser/5_zpstijukie9.jpg (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/mikeallen1010/media/Reeces%20dresser/5_zpstijukie9.jpg.html)

http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/mikeallen1010/Reeces%20dresser/6%202_zpslniq47ht.jpg (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/mikeallen1010/media/Reeces%20dresser/6%202_zpslniq47ht.jpg.html)



The rest of horizontal rail/dividers join carcass sides with sliding DTs. I made these with an ECE wooden dovetail plane that works very well – easy to taper the width of the dovetail for a snug fit (sorry no pics). I’ve tried to do the sockets via the hand tool route in the past with little success - I struggle to get a consistent size. I cut these sockets with an electric router.
http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/mikeallen1010/Reeces%20dresser/7_zpsqicma8df.jpg (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/mikeallen1010/media/Reeces%20dresser/7_zpsqicma8df.jpg.html)

http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/mikeallen1010/Reeces%20dresser/8_zps1hjgbusu.jpg (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/mikeallen1010/media/Reeces%20dresser/8_zps1hjgbusu.jpg.html)

[Mike Allen1010]

The vertical dividers are notched to fit over the horizontal web frames.
http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/mikeallen1010/Reeces%20dresser/9_zpsooowsz4t.jpg (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/mikeallen1010/media/Reeces%20dresser/9_zpsooowsz4t.jpg.html)


http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/mikeallen1010/Reeces%20dresser/12_zpspv30xfcz.jpg (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/mikeallen1010/media/Reeces%20dresser/12_zpspv30xfcz.jpg.html)

Glue up was a nightmare because I wanted a continuous line for the horizontal web frames and therefore vertical dividers had to be inserted from the inside the carcass. It would have been a lot easier to go the other way. Interior casework construction is something I just can’t seem to visualize the well and therefore I can’t really do it on-the-fly, which is my preferred seat-of-the-pants build style.

http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/mikeallen1010/Reeces%20dresser/14_zpso7rczsab.jpg (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/mikeallen1010/media/Reeces%20dresser/14_zpso7rczsab.jpg.html)


Next step was building the bracket feet. I didn’t have thick enough stock so face glued two 4/4 pieces together. They came out solid enough, but because the end grain didn’t match it looks odd, especially once the finish is applied.
http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/mikeallen1010/Reeces%20dresser/15_zpscu8qyfdp.jpg (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/mikeallen1010/media/Reeces%20dresser/15_zpscu8qyfdp.jpg.html)


http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/mikeallen1010/Reeces%20dresser/16_zpslids0civ.jpg (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/mikeallen1010/media/Reeces%20dresser/16_zpslids0civ.jpg.html)


http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/mikeallen1010/Reeces%20dresser/17_zpsymx9t4mz.jpg (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/mikeallen1010/media/Reeces%20dresser/17_zpsymx9t4mz.jpg.html)




Here is the little thumbnail molding for the transition from the bracket feet to the carcass.
http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/mikeallen1010/Reeces%20dresser/19_zpsxrjxzloi.jpg (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/mikeallen1010/media/Reeces%20dresser/19_zpsxrjxzloi.jpg.html)

[Mike Allen1010]

http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/mikeallen1010/Reeces%20dresser/20_zpsjperkabq.jpg (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/mikeallen1010/media/Reeces%20dresser/20_zpsjperkabq.jpg.html)


I used a rabbit plane to make breadboard endss for the top.
http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/mikeallen1010/Reeces%20dresser/21_zpswneagvxr.jpg (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/mikeallen1010/media/Reeces%20dresser/21_zpswneagvxr.jpg.html)


Smoothing the top was one of my favorite parts of the project – the pine planed really nicely.
http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/mikeallen1010/Reeces%20dresser/22_zps68lf5l7y.jpg (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/mikeallen1010/media/Reeces%20dresser/22_zps68lf5l7y.jpg.html)


I died the top black and made little holy plugs to pin the breadboard ends.
http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/mikeallen1010/Reeces%20dresser/23_zpstxkkoofv.jpg (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/mikeallen1010/media/Reeces%20dresser/23_zpstxkkoofv.jpg.html)

http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/mikeallen1010/Reeces%20dresser/25_zpsqomo71re.jpg (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/mikeallen1010/media/Reeces%20dresser/25_zpsqomo71re.jpg.html)

The finish came out better than I expected. I have much better luck with dye versus stain.
http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/mikeallen1010/Reeces%20dresser/27.5_zpsmbfo0vlj.jpg (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/mikeallen1010/media/Reeces%20dresser/27.5_zpsmbfo0vlj.jpg.html)

http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/mikeallen1010/Reeces%20dresser/27_zpsdnpmpfig.jpg (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/mikeallen1010/media/Reeces%20dresser/27_zpsdnpmpfig.jpg.html)

N

[Mike Allen1010]

Next up was building the drawers. One of the things I like about hand saws is it makes it easy to dimensions stock around defects so you get the grain pattern you want.
http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/mikeallen1010/Reeces%20dresser/30_zpsh7c14qgh.jpg (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/mikeallen1010/media/Reeces%20dresser/30_zpsh7c14qgh.jpg.html)

http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/mikeallen1010/Reeces%20dresser/32%202_zpsubfcu6k2.jpg (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/mikeallen1010/media/Reeces%20dresser/32%202_zpsubfcu6k2.jpg.html)

http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/mikeallen1010/Reeces%20dresser/34_zpsxlmxbgka.jpg (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/mikeallen1010/media/Reeces%20dresser/34_zpsxlmxbgka.jpg.html)


Here are all the drawer parts dimensioned and ready for dovetailing.

http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/mikeallen1010/Reeces%20dresser/36_zpsn6f1573u.jpg (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/mikeallen1010/media/Reeces%20dresser/36_zpsn6f1573u.jpg.html)


Drawer fronts overlap the face frame. Here’s finishing off the rabbits for the half blind DT’s on the drawer fronts. I confess I did the profile on the lips of the drawers with an electric router. Eight drawer fronts is way more than I can do with hollows and rounds.
http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/mikeallen1010/Reeces%20dresser/37_zpscisepthh.jpg (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/mikeallen1010/media/Reeces%20dresser/37_zpscisepthh.jpg.html)

http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/mikeallen1010/Reeces%20dresser/38_zpsalobcska.jpg (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/mikeallen1010/media/Reeces%20dresser/38_zpsalobcska.jpg.html)



Chopping the sockets for the half blind DTs on the drawer fronts. I reground a couple chisels to make cleaning out the corners easier.
http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/mikeallen1010/Reeces%20dresser/39.5_zps25potrsy.jpg (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/mikeallen1010/media/Reeces%20dresser/39.5_zps25potrsy.jpg.html)

http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/mikeallen1010/Reeces%20dresser/39_zps8ky7o37u.jpg (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/mikeallen1010/media/Reeces%20dresser/39_zps8ky7o37u.jpg.html)

[Mike Allen1010]

Final smoothing of the drawer fronts was super fun – the pine is just a joy to plane!
http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/mikeallen1010/Reeces%20dresser/40.2_zpsvjrubgnd.jpg (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/mikeallen1010/media/Reeces%20dresser/40.2_zpsvjrubgnd.jpg.html)

I used a plow plane to make dados for the drawer bottoms. I didn’t plan the layout of the tails very well so I had to plug the dado after glue up – this is a mistake I make frequently. I’m not sure how to resolve the conflict between wanting to avoid a narrow, fragile half pin, yet not wanting to put the groove for the drawer bottom higher in an effort to maximize the capacity of the drawers.

http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/mikeallen1010/Reeces%20dresser/40_zpsrisvylco.jpg (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/mikeallen1010/media/Reeces%20dresser/40_zpsrisvylco.jpg.html)


Here’s the finished dresser. My go to finishes shellac, but I thought that might not be durable enough so used polyurethane varnish and it turned out fine. My boys always enjoy hidden compartments, so I put a little “hidden” drawer hung from the bottom of the carcass. After I took these pictures I realized it wasn’t quite as “hidden” as I was planning on so I cut it down to fit farther back from the front of the dresser.

http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/mikeallen1010/Reeces%20dresser/41_zpsw3xg62im.jpg (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/mikeallen1010/media/Reeces%20dresser/41_zpsw3xg62im.jpg.html)

http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/mikeallen1010/Reeces%20dresser/42_zps1xorqjbl.jpg (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/mikeallen1010/media/Reeces%20dresser/42_zps1xorqjbl.jpg.html)

http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/mikeallen1010/Reeces%20dresser/43_zps8j57mvwv.jpg (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/mikeallen1010/media/Reeces%20dresser/43_zps8j57mvwv.jpg.html)

All in all the pine was really fun to work with hand tools. I definitely plan on making more projects out of pine in the future – there’s something very liberating about using inexpensive lumber where I don’t have to worry about squeezing every last inch out of the stock on hand.

Thanks for looking.
All the best, Mike

[John Kananis]

Awesome, loving the little drawer underneath.

[Larry Frank]

Very well done...impressive.

[Chris Hachet]

Very impressive and clean work!

[Phil Mueller]

Very nice work, Mike. Glad to see at least a couple of hand saws came out of that wall-till of yours!
I noticed the note cards on the till. I was wondering how someone with a collection like yours keeps track of what they are and how they are sharpened. Simple, but good method.

[Derek Cohen]

Very nice, Mike. You do such great work - designs and construction.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Brian Ashton]

What a fun traditional build. One day I'll have the time again to do some work like that

[Mike Cherry]

Nice work Mike! I'm surprised you resisted the urge to carve anything on this project! As for the drawer grooves and having to plug that gap, I'd love to hear some suggestions on how to avoid this as well. I have a hard enough time wrapping my brain around drawer layout as it is haha

[Don Slaughter]

Great craftsmanship. Mike! As Always, you epitomize the ideal of meeting the furniture needs of our homes....with a GUSTO! Really appreciate your pictorials!! Thank you!

Don

[Mike Allen1010]

Thanks like guys – I sincerely appreciate the feedback.


Phil, for me one of the most useful elements of keeping little-note cards on the setup of my hand saws (rake angle, fleam angle, gullet angle's, plate thickness, set etc.), gives me a reference for how to adjust saws for specific task. For example, in this project with soft pine, I needed saws with atle more set than those that otherwise work well in kiln dried hardwoods. The note cards help with that.


Derek, I am a huge fan of you and your work. Your very generous comment truly made my day! I love your builds, but am particularly amazed by the shop built tools you build; your ability to combine creative design with both metalworking and wood working skills to create both useful and aesthetically beautiful tools are an inspiration to me.


Brian, one of the beauties in working with pine is that the work goes pretty quickly. My wish for you is that you do find the time to work on projects you'll enjoy, and pine might be a good way to go.


Mike, always great to hear from you! I also would be interested in any suggestions about how to avoid leaving a gap when plowing a groove for drawer bottoms. Lots of people seem to be able to avoid this – but I have no clue. Frankly, I've learned to save the off cuts from cutting dovetails to plug these gaps. Clearly an example of an inability to avoid creating a problem and therefore creating the necessity to cover it up (gee is it cynical of me to say; that regrettably sounds like the philosophy most for politicians?!? Okay forget I mentioned that).


Carving is still not my favorite thing, however in the "projects" forum I did post a silverware chests that has a bit of carved Holly (okay that's BS. The floral carving on that project left my arthritic fingers and pathetic old eyes suffering for some days, but otherwise turned out okay).


Don, I'm not so sure I'm meeting furniture needs, as much as occasionally sneaking a project by the Boss that she lets me put in the house (only took me 20 years to make the cut). Most of what I build these days is for our boys. Selfishly I'm sad it's probably only couple years before both our Boys will be out of the house and then what am I going to do? The LOML already has way more furniture that she needs and that puts me in the difficult position of having to persuade her to get rid of some of it so we empty nesters can downsize to a cozy place by the beach, where I will promptly make a mess by tearing out the woodwork/trim so that hopefully, in some optimistic future I replace it with something better. Okay not very likely, but everybody needs a dream!


All the best Mike

[Don Slaughter]

Mike, that 'Empty Nest' & 'What're we gonna do' won't fly! Those kids will have/add kids & families to you. I've been an 'empty nester' for 17 years and haven't stopped making furniture from cribs & high chairs to dining tables and nightstands for family! You do great work and you KNOW it. BTW thanks for bringing inspiration to the saw sharpening seminar! Everyone appreciated your knowledge, skill and willingness to help.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

[Barry Dima]

:eek: This is striking, and the build pics and notes really help. Your work came out tremendously! (So much so that I've bookmarked the build in my Projects folder for later reference. Cheers!)

[James Pallas]

Mike, Nice work. I thoroughly enjoy build threads and yours are excellent. Keep it up.
Jim

[Brian Holcombe]

Nice work Mike! I love the bed as well!