3 Ways to Build Professional Quality Drawers
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.พ. 2025
- Plans for the Alm Fab Workbench are now available on my website www.almfab.com...
In this weeks video I'm covering the basics of how to make drawers. I make 3 different kinds of drawers. Ones with wood slides, ones with side mounted metal slides, and ones with undermount drawer slides.
You can purchase Blum TANDEM undermount drawer slides from long time supporter of my channel, Rockler. www.rockler.co...
Additional Rockler tools used in this video:
Rockler Deluxe Brass Setup Bars www.rockler.co...
Rockler JIG IT Undermount Drilling Guide www.rockler.co...
Rockler Marking and Measuring Pouch www.rockler.co...
Rockler Pro Lift Router Lift www.rockler.co...
Rockler Glue Brush www.rockler.co...
Affiliate link to other tools used in this video
Kreg Cabinet Hardware Jig amzn.to/3cq25lQ
Kreg Pocket Hole Jig amzn.to/3b2ixaW
Handi Shims amzn.to/3pySA7B
Milwaukee M12 drill and driver amzn.to/3csLRbt
Self Centering drill bit amzn.to/3afGOsd
Sawstop 3hp Cabinet Saw amzn.to/3aebYQR
Moleskine notebook Moleskine Classic 7.5” x 9.5” amzn.to/2L9A2eF
GVS Half Mask Respirator amzn.to/33R9x4b
Irwin Quickgrip Clamps amzn.to/3r1UmhK
Bostich 18ga Brad Nailer amzn.to/2MHuSar
California Air Tools 8gal Compressor amzn.to/2MCW2iO
IsoTunes Pro 2.0 Noise Cancelling Ear Buds bit.ly/almfabiso
Check out my Amazon store where you can find all the tools I use in my shop www.amazon.com...
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@Michael Alm I do cabinet design and installs in the US (I use Imperial System) and what I do to get fractions out of a decimal result is : I take away the full number and then multiply whats left by 16.
So for examples: you had 4.6875. Take away the 4. You get .6875. Multiply that by 16 and the result is 11(aka 11/16). So now you add back the 4 and you get 4 and 11/16.
Omg that imperial chart thingy 😂 Priceless. I can’t believe the things you subject yourself to with imperial. I barely even remember how fractions work lol
The thing on top is divided by the thing on the bottom. 2/4 means that the 2 is is divided into 4 equal portions. You can multiply or divide both sides by the same number.
5/7 = (5x5)/(5x7) = 25/35
10/5 = (5x2)/(5x1) = 1/2
If you want 1/2 of 10 you multiply the number by the fraction.
When you try to divide 1/2 by 4 you can just multiply the 4 by the bottom thing. - > 1/8
When you multiply 1/2 by 4 you get
4/2 = 2
English is my second language so please don't quote me on terminology, but that's the concept.
Its actually pretty easy. Half of 9 and 3/8 is just 4.5 and 3/16. Add 1/2 and 3/16 and you get 4 and 11/16.
Fractions are precisely why imperial is easier to work with for building... anything.
The school system to teach basic math really failed horribly. Fractions is just numbers why does everyone seem so freaked out is not difficult. Same with decimals just keep your unit of measure straight jeez
You really need to learn how to divide...hard to build anything without that.
I installed three Blum under drawer slides for the first time last year. Yes, the instructions are a little complicated. Great idea installing the slides first and then measure for the drawer itself. Much easier, Appreciate your video.
This is like a MasterClass on drawer making. I’ve gone from not wanting to screw with drawers, to wanting to make a bunch in 24 minutes. Great vid!
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The false back on the basic drawer is something I haven't tried, oh ya, learning something new. Thanks Michael
Nice! Yeah it’s a good way to go👍
I discovered those shims a few years ago and have a BUNCH of them in my shop. They have a tremendous number of uses. First time I've seen a TH-camr using them.
Just a comment on the Rockler jig for Blum clips / under-mount glides. I tried to drill the pilot holes for the clips at the appropriate angle and no matter how careful I was- they didn't sit right and the drawer was wonky. I purchased the clip jig from Rockler and the clips worked perfectly. The jig also properly aligns the pinhole at the rear of the drawer. Money well spent. Keep up the good work.
Watching your videos is so soothing. Thank you, sir!
Excellent tutorial! You are a natural educator.
I've been building cabinets, etc. for 35 years, but your technique for installing slides on the drawer boxes was one I've not seen. I'll use it from now on. Thanks!
I have been a carpenter for 50 years in Ireland. We have been doing this for years even as a young boy in the workshop all them years ago.
Love the straw to clean up excess wood glue. Have never seen this. So easy, so useful
This is probably the best tutorial for intimidating drawer building and installation I have come across. Thank you for sharing
What a beautiful design and build. You're instructions are easy to follow and the illustrations of the cut & assembly are clear. Your voice is smooth and even, making your instruction delivery easy to listen to. Thank you. cmf
The left side of the shot at 7:50 totally made me think I scratched the heck out of my phone screen for a second. Haha. Thanks for the awesome information!
Upon unboxing, I was immediately upset at how the rails were very noticeably bent. But I kept going, all tools needed to assemble were included th-cam.com/users/postUgkxqtX4Dxs6aecAZEuz6GY5-d81YecKCshn and I had it set up in about 30 minutes. Honestly I love this thing, make sure to read the measurements and measure your space so you know if it'll work for you. I bought this to put inside my closet, underneath where I hang my clothes and it is absolutely perfect! It is VERY sturdy and all drawers glide easily and mine are stuffed, and they are still flush when closed.
Just because of you I learned today how to install draw sliding. Thank bro, from INDIA
This has been so helpful! Thank you for detailed descriptions of your process.
Many thanks for the Intelligence of your presentation. I could definitely see this as a "Drawer Making 101" kind of video. I also like drawers that I can take out as my drawers are subdivided for collections of watch parts. I certainly don't need a lot of strength but for aesthetic reasons I think it would be fun to use Box Joints. I mention this because any hack you may have for making measurements easier would be much appreciated. Great video!!😮😮😮
thanks for your great video. I struggled with making drawers by starting of the wrong way. And offering plans in metric dimensions is super. Thanks a lot.
Great video. It was good to see the comparison of several methods side by side.
The straw trick for excess glue got you another sub.
What I love about your videos is that I actaully learn something in each and every one. Great stuff Michael 👌
Glad to hear it! Thanks Richard
It’s just great to watch and listen to you. No fuss or funniness. Just plain and straightforward. Thanks man!
i never wanted to touch cabinets, but this... This changed the game. you made it look simple! thanks for the great vid!
I have all my tools and am so ready to build one, Your instructions have helped me in every detail, step by step, not like the other channels, what can I say, young man, thank you so much. Keep up the great work. 👍 👍👍
You're a wonderful teacher. Lovely project. Thanks for sharing
You are the only woodworker who has pronounced the name of the German company properly, thank you! Ten stars for Michale!
For the rest of you: The name is German and is not pronounced "bloom" it is pronounced "blum" phonetically, bluhm Get it right!
You're my HERO... Thank you so much for all your efforts on creating this video... Thank you.... 👏🏾
This is a very detailed tutorial on all tools needed and what you do with them. Great for someone learning for the first time.😄
So good. Clear videos and explanations as you went. Excellent editing. Enought time was spent showing how it all worked without bogging down with too much repitition. I'm using your info, but one small change. I used a drawer slide to make a metal jig for the slide hole layout (I'm also a metal worker) and predrilled the slide holes in the case side. It seemed less awkward than doing that in the case after is was assembled.
You truly did give me more confidence and incite in drawer building.
Thank You.
Really nice walkhrough, really wish i had thought about watching something like this when I was restoring the drawers in the kitchen two years ago.
Michael thanks for the tip on the Handi-shims, they are great! when cutting wood I use the 1/8 shim to prevent the wood from pinching the blade. The shims also beat using coins when spacing drawers. Love your videos!!
Your video and dialogue are excellent and you are giving good information. Well done.
Whats that music? Are we in an elevator?
I have lost count of how many draw making videos that I have viewed. Your video is a cut above the rest from the video through to the plans. I have made draws and they look shit. Now I’m going to make them again with your added Help. Thank you from down under mate.
I just feel like from your videos you have to be the most chill dude and we'd have a great time getting a beer and talking wood
One of the most helpful drawer install videos I've seen. Many thanks.
Liked & subscribed!
I love that you can remake old drawers into new ones. And make it look better. Very professional!
Genius!! Straight forward, great techniques!!
You're such a great teacher, thank you for defining the jargon and breaking down all the steps! Really helpful!
Excellent instruction on basic drawer making skills. As someone who is/was also intimated by the thought of attempting to build a drawer, I found your video to be very motivating:)
Wow. I am not a carpenter. This was extremely helpful.
You are a clever fella.
The 3 x 2" top draws. I like the idea of extended rails to stop draw falling out. You could put Spring loaded locator pins on side railings which you can reach and release if you need to take draw out fully.
When you pronounce "Rebate" though it sounds like "Rabbit".... Australia here we say ....Re Bait.
This is awesome. I have done custom closets and cabinets for the last 6 years, and I appreciate your breakdown of the work, so regular people can do it. 👍🏻
That's so clean! Great work man.
That chamfered edge just makes it!
Ive been wood working for about 6 months and have avoided anything involving drawers like the plague lol. Thank you for this video.
I saw a great trick online to screw the drawer fronts! The guy make the holes for the handle before putting the drawer front on the drawer and then screw the front on the drawer through the handles holes... Then he oppened the drawer to screw form the inside. He removed the wood screw in the handle holes and then drilled the handles holes through the drawer box and installed the handle with the metal screws.. !!! Booom :D
Hay, I like how you think graphically. As an Architect I do it as well and as Carl von Clausewitz stated in "on War" the only scale to build a model is 1 to 1
Absolutely the best drawer build video I've seen so far. Thank you for post it...!
A really excellent video that was presented well and was not patronising. I am confident I could copy that. Thanks.
Well done - a simple and clear instructional video - thank you.
Super efficient editing which made for a really concise video. Thanks, lots of good info in this one.
Thanks for all the tool list in description. This is what im looking for 💯👏👏🙏🙏
Very good demonstration and explanation!!
Michael my favorite tip in this video was to not make the drawer a compression fit when using those mechanicals your slides. I have been frustrated with that I know so many people who have built it so close to tolerance that the drawer slide didn’t operate properly. Definitely a great tip thanks for Sharing brother great video
I agree. I always have to fight my tendency to want to make it like a piston fit.
In the video, is it my imagination, or did he talk about how the slides have some built-in flexibility, but then didn't use those tabbed holes on the cabinet sides?
I am horrible about tight tolerances. Its even worse when you start dealing with expansion and contraction of solid woods.
Agreed. I ended up planing down plywood drawer sides to achieve a better motion on one build. Not fun, and easily avoidable. Thanks for the tips, Michael!
Adam Savage has a great tip for avoiding "too tight tolerances" - add some paper or thin card shims. Can be easily tack glued in place while measuring.
I love you man, so pleasant to watch. it is like meditation, just beautiful work, very nice
Planning on to convert my van (again) :) this video is a great help!!!
I made some drawers and a cabinet, but really didn't know what I was doing. This was SOOOOOOOO much simpler, easier, and faster than the "total noob" versions I built. Definitely bookmarking this for future reference! (Also... watch those fingers with the nail gun!)
Epic video on making perfect drawers. A nail gun I've been bitten by before and I did fine with band-aid and some kool-aid. You want to be 10 times more careful with your fingers when you use a table saw -- one of the most useful but also a dangerous power tool. I like the table saw jig Michael's got but IMHO future epic carpentry would be with plunge saws and routers, not table saws.
Great video. I wish I saw this sooner. I just finished putting draws into my workbench and made so many mistakes that I could have avoided after watching this. Thanks for the great content
Thank you for your help on all the measurements!!!
Great vid! Those Blum soft closers never stop feeling like magic.
Like a pair of kitchen tongs, they need a few test snaps. Soft closers need a good few hard shoves.
Great video, thanks a lot! I'm noticing that you don't wait for your miter saw to stop spinning when lifting the blade up. You are of course a pro, but for any less experienced builder out there, it would be highly recommended to wait for the blade to come to a full stop before raising it again - this is especially true when using a stopblock, since you could get a pretty scary kickback.
Thumbs up and new subscriber. Excellent design and craftsmanship. Good content production and editing too. No fluff, no BS.
Thank you so much Michael- I was searching steel fab shop drawer designs but this is so much easier! Thank you for the plans- now I can build my perfect shop.
Thanks a million. Lots of good info but the thing thsy stood out for me is that the drawer doesn't need to be tight... Needs a little room to slide... Didn't quite know if that was the case or not, so I'm guessing about 1/16 of an inch or so should work. 🙏🏾
Came for cabinets - learned the straw trick for glue.
Great video. I actually prefer drawers over doors. Door hardware confuses me. There are so many options. There are a couple of shop pieces I want to build and I keep putting them off because I'm cheap and I don't want to buy the drawer slides. So I'm glad you showed the wooden slides. Having the back with a stop is definitely the way I want to go. Thanks for sharing.
1:58 "I know this is barbaric..." lol. I got a good chuckle out of this because I do PLENTY of things like this, down and dirty, with the limited workspace and tools I have. All the while the optimist thinking "maybe someday I'll have..."
You Sir have allowed me to think I can build a drawer, as long as it slides my wife will be proud of building it! SUBBED
Great description of your thought process and technique. Nice design and craftsmanship for more or less a novice like me. Thanks.
Great video, but specifically, thank you for the Blum walkthrough! I'm bought them for a project because I liked them so much, but I have been a bit intimidated to get started on the drawers because of the complicated instructions! Cutting the back of the drawer short is brilliant to save on the notching.
Totally an inspirational video…
Makes me feel to run to my workshop and build some drawers…
Thank you Mr. Alm
Amazing build Michael. You are a pro. We did the same with metal slides in the past since then we have learnt if you over drill the hole on the drawer box you can have some adjustability while fixing drawer fronts.
Great how to particularly doing the dadoes/rabbets without a dado stack. Thank you! The false back trick is also awesome and so obvious but I never thought of it before.
Excellent video, Michael. I, too, "have a fear of the drawer" in me. I am getting ready to build out my garage cabinets and miter station. Your teaching method is really helpful and enjoyable. Thanks, you! Felix
Glad to hear it! Good luck with the cabinets 👍
Michael. This is Great video as well as wonderful content. Your explanation and working both are excellent.
VEEEERRRRYYYYY GOOOD examples and explanation! Thank you!!!🔥🔥🔥
wow nice cabinet thank you ..lots of idea iwanto order for my dream house in the Philippines
I like your style all around, from drawing plans to finish applications. It matches and validates a lot of what/how I do things! Thanks.
just what i was looking for! building drawers doesnt look that daunting anymore so might just give it a shot. Want some for a yet to build bookcase. Such an excellent video
stopped at 1:10 because this is exactly what i do as well because it helps me visualize it! (and i like drawing, so any chance i get with a new project i'll make it look nice haha)
Great tips! I WILL use the one for mounting the wooden slides by turning the cabinet upside down and locating them with the actual drawer and a shim. On my next set of wood slides I may change them out for side-mount store-bought slides at some point, and am mounting the wood ones on a 1/2" side strip, so the drawer will be the right width for the metal slides. I also figured out years ago that iron-on hardwood edge tape (or even melamine tape) gives wooden slides a nice slick, 'wax-able' surface.
Nice work sir. I am planning a small miter saw work bench with drawers; your tutorial came in handy. Thanks for posting.
Great tips! The jigs for the spacing in the cabinet and installing them with the pieces of plywood as base !! Also what is that magic box at min 10:29!! I need to make one for my kreg jig!!! Actually every minute of this video was knowledge, I didn’t have to skip or adjust speed of video 😜
👍🏼
Thanks for making this video! Super simple design!
Great tips, Michael. Thanks 👍
I love Blum, The underside drawerslides. I think all drawers should be like that.
Excellent tutorial, thanks!
This was extremely satisfying
Excellent video! You've gained a subscriber! Oh! and you can skip the fraction chart. Just multiply the decimal portion by 8 or 16 (depending on your needed accuracy) and then round that number up or down depending on what you need. That'll give you the top number of the fraction.
really wanna say, i love your logo, it's beautiful
I was biting my tongue so hard not to blurt out a metric comment 😀, but you pointed out the obvious yourself. Thanks!
Wow! Very nice work
Had to grab me some of those handy shims, thanks
Thanks , great working drawers and build very well. again Thankyou for sharing
Nice job Michael. Darlington, South Carolina
Michael, a tip for you. Use a fractions calculator!! It makes all the measuring much easier to deal with.
15:30 Since you're using a calculator, just multiply the decimal part by the fractional precision you desire, then simplify the resulting fraction if necessary.
Eg. 0.6875 x 32 = 22 (32s), or 11/16.
So tedious to do every time. Better solution: multiply everything by 25.4 on the way in. Voila, you're in metric!
@@BosseCory especially because plywood is sold in metric (even if it’s not sold as that)
Been doing wood and handyman for decades and just learned this at 60. Thanks.
I just use a fraction calculator app, from the get go. So much simpler
...or, be inspired to change over to the metric system...with the equivalent logic of: 100 cents to a dollar.... its all ones, tens, hundreds, thousands, hundreds... etc 👍🤔
Backtail Studio will not be happy LOL Great video