[Davidb6]

Have a small closet (6' tall x 15" d x 15" w) and want to add pull-out drawers.
I'd like add drawers on full extensions to make the best use of the small space. I'm guessing I will need 6 drawers.

Problem - I don't want to spend $50.oo + for each drawer and I don't have tools to make the rabbit joints for the drawer frame.

Any DIY instructions for basic drawers without rabbit joints or any other suggestions?

Thanks

I found drawer kits on Rockler but there $45.00 without the slides.

 

[Ron6519]

You don't have the tools and you don't want to spend the money to have them made.
Maybe there's a, "Drawer Fairy"
What tools do you have and what is the budget?
Ron

 

[Davidb6]

"Drawer Fairy", now I didn't think of asking the Drawer Fairy

The only thing I can't do is make the rabbit joint or dove tail joint for the drawer frame.

Are there other types of joints strong enough

Just looking for ideas

 

[Leah Frances]

You could always use some 'L' brackets. But, I'd recommend saving up your money and waiting on the project until you can afford to do it nicely. I think you'll be happier in the long run.

 

[Scuba_Dave]

Do you have a router?
Most simple design has an area routed out of each side that the bottom board sits in. Usually its thinner wood as the bottom

Easiest is not strongest

 

[DIYtestdummy]

Router or tablesaw with fence and jig for mutiple drawers and pieces. 4 sides with a 1/4" dado for the bottom to rest in (NO GLUE - it needs to be loose for expansion).

Easier than that would be to snap/glue/screw all the pieces together (assuming they fit the drawer space correctly) without joints. Don't forget you probably need a jig to get the slides to line up properly.

Given most prefab drawers are about that easy, they just don't last like drawers made properly. You can certainly tell where the money goes when you see how good and fine cabinetry is made. I still can't master drawers (RAAAR!!!), but taking the time to do it right will yield you great appreciation for years.

 

[Davidb6]

I'm ok with the dado for the bottom just wasn't sure if there was a joint that would last I can make with a table saw...I'll check some carpentry books.

As far as saving money...$300+ for sliding shelves for a 15" deep x 14" wide closet just seems to much to spend. I'd like to make the best use of the space but that's to much.

 

[Davidb6]

I found a site myself if anybody else is interested.

http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/SkillsAndTechniques/SkillsAndTechniquesArticle.aspx?id=30193

 

[Willie T]

I found a site myself if anybody else is interested.

http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/SkillsAndTechniques/SkillsAndTechniquesArticle.aspx?id=30193

I use the lock rabbet or box joints on most of my drawers. Couldn't understand why you said you didn't have the tools. Both are very easy to make on a table saw.

Here's another video for you:

http://www.woodmagazine.com/bettertv/?cid=979295690&lid=1338929762&tid=1284279157

 

[cabinetman]

You can make all rabbets and dadoes with a table saw and a single saw blade.

 

[Leah Frances]

As far as saving money...$300+ for sliding shelves for a 15" deep x 14" wide closet just seems to much to spend. I'd like to make the best use of the space but that's to much.

Keep track of your materials and time costs. I'd be interested to know how much you save and how long it takes to make the six drawers. What are you planning to use for slides?

 

[Davidb6]

Interesting question about tracking costs. Doing a little research I found that I can but the finished door (not the best) for about $55 with slides.

Looking at options I found pre-cut drawer sides and bottoms at Woodcraft
http://www.woodcraft.com/product.aspx?ProductID=146706&FamilyID=5438
When I add the cost of the slides it's not much cheaper.

So I'm still checking options.

 

[DangerMouse]

orrrrrr.... go to Habitat for Humanity or Goodwill (type) store and see what they have for old dressers. if you find some drawers in good shape, refinish/reuse them and build a frame to hold them any way you want!

DM

 

[jordy3738]

How about a but joint? Add a little glue a few staples or screws and vawala your done.

 

[Scuba_Dave]

There are always people getting rid of dressers on craigslist

 

[DangerMouse]

voilà! (fr. "look there")

DM

 

[Davidb6]

I wanted to do something strong like a dovetail but don't have the tools (jigs) so I think I'm just going to make a rabbet or Dado and rabbet combo. I'm concerned about the constant pulling on the drawer front but a lot of companies that make these drawers only use a rabbet. So, maybe it's not that big of a deal.

 

[Scuba_Dave]

I ended up with a dozen kitchen cabinets from someone remodeling their kitchen, Included 1 15" drawer pack - 4 drawers
All for free, very solid construction - beech too
They will go in the garage

I also picked up another set - not as good a quality - but free
They are going in the pool cabana to organize
Complete with a few nice countertops

 

[f8lyer8s]

by a peice of plywood, throw it up on the joist in your attic and store your stuff there... $25 bucks and your done... Or biscuit them... biscuit joints are rather cheap...

 

[mike6x7]

There are always people getting rid of dressers on craigslist

Ditto, beat me to it. You can get drawers just about anywhere. you may have to look awhile to find the right size, and you can always change drawer fronts.