Here I demonstrate the construction of a drawer box using 1/2" prefinished plywood and biscuits for the joinery. This is a quick, easy method that results in a box that is strong and has no mechanical fasteners to see.
Great video, have built my drawers using that method for 25 years with no failures.I just mount the triton biscuit slot cutter in the router table with no fence.I slide the fronts and backs into the cutter. and for the sides I use a right angled jig to support them as I slide them onto the cutter.The beauty of the triton biscuits is that they are small so great for shallow drawers.I sometimes use one,two or three biscuits depending on drawer size.
Thanks for a top video, it is a big help as most videos about biscuits joiners, take the road most travelled with 3/4 inch material, and how to line up boards for a bench top. I love the jig and the support foot for the machine. You have great attention to detail, removing finish in areas to be glued etc. A lot of people would just try some hi tech glue that probably would not work. All the best.
Good video - you have a lot of custom jigs just for this precise operation of building drawer boxes. Looks like they come out pretty strong in the direction of pulling and pushing, no screws needed !
I'm curios, as what pulling force are people concerned with. If you glue the joints and put in two pin nails, , , , , , , you could never pull the front of the drawer apart.
Hi John, Take a closer look. the side pieces cover the front/back end grain and slot holes. When you put on the false front (i.e. shaker front) it covers up the slot on the front. EZ peasy.
I saw Norm Abram do it. While I would agree biscuits only add a bit of strength to traditional joinery. Using biscuits in this method it acts as a tenon with the force applied perpendicular to the biscuit. Just try it with a couple pieces of scrap and you'll find it's pretty strong.
Hi Joe, I like using 1/2" nominal plywood, which yields a strong box and a nice look. You can use thicker material, such as 3/4" and use the same techniques.
diymark Thanks. I'm planning a chest of drawers and have a biscuit joiner on order. I was wondering if I could use it to build drawers and your video answered my question. Thanks!
So I just had someone 3D print me the same 90 degree support for my Porter Cable router. Can’t believe they don’t make them already. Great video.
Great video, have built my drawers using that method for 25 years with no failures.I just mount the triton biscuit slot cutter in the router table with no fence.I slide the fronts and backs into the cutter. and for the sides I use a right angled jig to support them as I slide them onto the cutter.The beauty of the triton biscuits is that they are small so great for shallow drawers.I sometimes use one,two or three biscuits depending on drawer size.
Hi Philip, do you have a picture of your setup?
Thanks for a top video, it is a big help as most videos about biscuits joiners, take the road most travelled with 3/4 inch material, and how to line up boards for a bench top. I love the jig and the support foot for the machine. You have great attention to detail, removing finish in areas to be glued etc. A lot of people would just try some hi tech glue that probably would not work. All the best.
Good video - you have a lot of custom jigs just for this precise operation of building drawer boxes. Looks like they come out pretty strong in the direction of pulling and pushing, no screws needed !
Very nice procedure.
Great job great tips on the b jointer too ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks for video, It's very helpfull. I'm interested how did you upgrade your biscuit joiner with that plywood fance.
I'm curios, as what pulling force are people concerned with. If you glue the joints and put in two pin nails, , , , , , , you could never pull the front of the drawer apart.
Thanks for the great video. Do you have plans for the jig?
How did you attach the foot to the biscuit joiner?
I would like to add the right angle jig to my biscuit cutter. Any suggestions?
Is anything done to cover up the end of the slots showing in the lower corners?
Hi John, Take a closer look. the side pieces cover the front/back end grain and slot holes. When you put on the false front (i.e. shaker front) it covers up the slot on the front. EZ peasy.
Everything I read would say biscuits are more for alignment rather than join strength. How did you get the confidence to try this?
I saw Norm Abram do it. While I would agree biscuits only add a bit of strength to traditional joinery. Using biscuits in this method it acts as a tenon with the force applied perpendicular to the biscuit. Just try it with a couple pieces of scrap and you'll find it's pretty strong.
What is the thickness of the wood you are using for the drawers?
Hi Joe, I like using 1/2" nominal plywood, which yields a strong box and a nice look. You can use thicker material, such as 3/4" and use the same techniques.
diymark Thanks. I'm planning a chest of drawers and have a biscuit joiner on order. I was wondering if I could use it to build drawers and your video answered my question. Thanks!