Materials needed for assembly: drawer sides, drawer bottom, wood glue, and a mallet
1 Lay Out Your Pieces:
- Organize all components of the drawer box before starting.
2 Apply Glue to the Front:
- Take the front piece and apply a small drop of wood glue to one set of dovetail pockets.
- Remember: Less is more! Too much glue can create a mess that needs sanding after it dries.
3 Attach the First Side:
- Choose one of the sides and insert the front with the glue into it.
- Lightly tap the two pieces together using a mallet (avoid using a regular hammer to prevent damage).
4 Glue the Back:
- Apply glue to one set of dovetail pockets on the back, similar to the front.
- Tap the back into the side.
5 Insert the Bottom:
- Place the drawer box bottom into the groove on the inside of the drawer.
6 Attach the Last Side:
- Apply a small dab of glue to each remaining dovetail pocket on the front and back pieces.
- Lightly tap the last side into the front and back.
7 Check for Squareness:
- Use an engineer square to check each corner for squareness.
- If gaps exist, gently push the corner until both sides touch the square.
8 Optional Wood Putty:
- If desired, apply wood putty to each joint according to the manufacturer’s instructions and let it dry.
9 Final Sanding:
- Once fully assembled, sand the dovetail joints to remove excess glue (and putty, if used) for a smooth finish.
