Q:

Recently I built one of Christian Becksvoort’s Shaker tables (“Shaker Classic, 2 Ways,” FWW #210). Unfortunately, when I clamped on the drawer runners and kickers, they slid around in the glue a bit and now they don’t line up parallel to one another. How do I avoid that in the future?

Ben Danielson, Eureka, CA

A:

It’s important to get those pieces lined up. If they’re out of whack in one direction, you’ll end up with a drawer pocket that isn’t square, and it will be very tough to get the drawer to fit and work properly. Next time, line up the kickers and runners using a spacer block and use clipped brads to keep the parts in place when you glue them in. Here’s how.

Start by tapping a couple of thin brads into the apron where the kickers and runners will attach, and then use a pair of wire cutters to trim the brads just a bit above the surface.

To line up the pieces perfectly, use a spacer block that is the same height as your drawer sides. Slide the spacer into the drawer opening. If needed you can use a square to line it up with the front of the drawer. Then just butt the kickers and runners against its edges and tap them into place on the brads. The spacer block ensures the kicker and runners are parallel, and the holes from the brads will create registration points for the parts during gluing.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Bessey K-Body Parallel-Jaw Clamp

The 3 3/4" deep parallel jaws allow for all types of clamping, from thin panels to joinery.

Buy at Amazon

Trusty-Cook Dead-Blow Hammers

Made in Indiana, and recently added to the Lee Valley catalog, they are made of nonmarring polyurethane, hot-cast around lead shot and a steel handle. This gives them a very solid feel and excellent impact. They come in a wide variety of sizes, but I like the 21-oz. ($26) and 26-oz. ($29) best for woodworking use.

Buy at Lee Valley

Bessey EKH Trigger Clamps

Bessey EKH series quick-release trigger-style clamps are simple to use and maintain consistent pressure. Trigger clamps that perform the way you've always wished they would!

Buy at Amazon