Hello - In the past I have made my drawer sides out of 1/2" stock. My latest
project I am running a bit short on materials and do not feel like making a
trip to my wood supplier. If I use what I have, I can make the drawer sides
and back out of 3/8" stock. The drawers are relatively small, about 10" deep
and 13" across and 3" high.

Is 3/8" stock too small for the sides and back? We are talking about cherry.

Also, what I am using has sap wood. Would that detract too much or cause any
issues?

Another question, while I'm at it. How do you folks cut your drawer holes? I
know some people rip the piece, cross cut the openings and glue it all back
together. This is not possible for me as my front aprons are already
complete. My drawer fronts are overlay style. I am planning to make a
template and cutting out with my router then clean up the corners with a
chisel. My POS jigsaw is another possibility but would likely end up looking
like crap. Any other suggestions?

This is a sofa table / hall table and will have two drawers.

Thanks in advance!

-B

"No" wrote in message ...
Hello - In the past I have made my drawer sides out of 1/2" stock. My
latest project I am running a bit short on materials and do not feel like
making a trip to my wood supplier. If I use what I have, I can make the
drawer sides and back out of 3/8" stock. The drawers are relatively small,
about 10" deep and 13" across and 3" high.

You can absolutely be able to go with 3/8" thick material for drawes that
small. I am currently building a chest with 8 drawers 3 to 6" deep and all
17" x 35". I am using 1/2" Baltic Birch plywood and that is plenty strong.

I wouold suggest that you could even go with 1/4" thick sides if you are not
going to carry much weight.


Is 3/8" stock too small for the sides and back? We are talking about
cherry.

Also, what I am using has sap wood. Would that detract too much or cause
any issues?

Another question, while I'm at it. How do you folks cut your drawer holes?

Do you mean openings in the cabinet for the drawers to fit into? I always
build face frames for the front of my cabinets.

Yes, the openings for the drawers to go into. This is a sofa table, the
drawers are cut through the apron. In past I have ripped the length and
cut out the openings then glued it back together. I cant do that n this
project. I was thinking of using a router and template to clean up the
hole I roughed out with a jigsaw. Have any better ideas?

Hello,

i think you're right on track with the jig saw r/o and then
a template and router to finish the openings and cleaning out the
corners by hand...
if you are using solid cherry drawer stock the box should be plenty
strong with 3/8"
be careful of your usual fasteners meaning (if you are using metal
slides) don't forget
to use small enough screws, but if you're using a wood glide no worries
then..

health n laughter