I was all set to start work on the curly cherry highboy featured in Fine Woodworking #117 by Randall O’Donnell when I happened to come across plans for another highboy.
Both are supposed to be near copies of originals in the Massachusetts style but Mr. O’Donnell’s indicates drawer dividers in the front and back in both the upper and lower case. The other design has drawer dividers in the front but in the back only where the drawer opening is two or more drawers wide.
Which is correct? Or, are they both correct but represent different makers, regions, time……?
None of the period furniture reference books that I own address this issue and any information would be very appreciated.
Thank You
Replies
Hi BigA:
I just left Randy O'Donnell a message to see if he has an answer to your question.
Before he calls back, I'm a little confused as to exactly what you're refering to when you say "drawer dividers." Are you talking about the verticle dividers that seperate multiple drawers in a single row? Or are you talking about the long drawer rails that stretch from left to right along the front and back of the drawer web frame (what Randy calls "interior framework" in his article). I assume it's the latter of those.
My not-so-expert opinion is that the web frames will be much stronger and remain more level and square with a rail in the front and the back. Also, since you won't be gluing the drawer runners to the case sides, a front and back rail helps to keep the runners in place over time.
Perhaps in the example without the back rail, the original maker was trying to save on time and materials by not including them? Those types of shortcuts were very common back in the day when people had to make a living from handmade furniture.
Matt Berger
Fine Woodworking
MattThanks for your reply.Yes, I am referring to the rails. (My error)I agree that rails front and back would make for a much stronger case. I suspect that you are correct in your reasoning of why the original cabinetmakers may have left out the back rails. Since I posted this question I found a picture of the interior of an original Chippendale
slant front that has no back rails.I just want to make sure that I am historically correct in building this piece.Can't tell you how much I enjoy your magazine. I have all but some of the very early issues.Thanks again for your reply Matt.BigA in Montana
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