The drawer will slide on the maple strips without aid. By the way, not trying to be a pain, but I should point out that the term “runner” is usually used for the components in the side of the case upon which the bottom edges of the drawer sides ride.

Rob

Thanks. Can’t wait to see how this story ends. I’m going to try this method tonight for a shop cabinet which needs a drawer.

–Steve.

Thanks for reading. Yours is a common reaction when first encountering this traditional method of drawer making.

The purpose for making the sides proud of the front and back when making the dovetails is to preserve the initial accurate fittings of the front and back to the width of the housing, which later will determine the fit of the completed drawer to the housing. It is easy to plane down the slight excess thickness of the sides.

Give it a try, I can tell you that it really works.

Rob

Thanks for the series. I’ve already picked up some great tips. I learned to make the pins slightly proud of the sides. Your pins will be too shallow. I find it a bit illogical to have to plane both sides down to fit the drawers.

–Steve.