Hi all,
I decided a while back to tackle a project outside of my experience and current abilities - a Chest of Drawers. Yeah, I know it's a piece of cake for a LOT of you out there, but it's stretching my abilities, and could use a bit of help. Gotta get this done - it's for my Grandson, and times-a-wastin!
I have the carcass mostly done - working on the drawers, and am not quite sure how to proceed. I have the drawers "mostly" constructed - HB Dovetails in the front, through Dovetails in the back. QS Oak front, maple sides. Had to cheap out with plywood bottoms, but there you have it. 1/2" bottom drawer, dadoed into a groove in the sides and front. Back is cut short so bottom can be slid in.
So, questions:
The drawers have not yet been finished being sized to the individual openings. Wish they were just a tad longer, but we are LONG past that! The gap might be a bit wide....but not too bad, I don't think. With that in mind, what is the process here? Sand interior prior to assembly, then assemble, then finish sizing drawer? If I do that, then I can't pre-finish drawer front. Son wants quite a dark finish - want the pins to really pop next to the light maple sides on the drawers. Seems it would be really tough to size completely well before the drawer has been assembled!
And - my dovetail creation was just a tad off - how best to level these (see photo)? Orbital sander? other?
I've never done a dovetail drawer, and REALLY need some help - PLEASE.
Couple photos attached. (for reference, the black gauge in photo is 1/16" thick. And, idiot that I am, I can't get them turned!!!)
Again, thanks!