Replies

1. 
   JohnWW | Dec 09, 2004 07:59pm | #1

   In earlier times dust panels served a real purpose in keeping clothes stored in a drawer cleaner in environments that were certainly dirtier than a modern house.  They also prevented mice from moving around and nesting inside of the furniture.  It is also possible that the panels might serve some structural purpose, but I couldn't tell for sure without seeing the plans.

   John W.

    

2. 
   jackplane | Dec 09, 2004 08:01pm | #2

   Dust panels were common in days of old, when house dust was plentiful and vacuums were not. They were usually found on flush draw fronts where dust could enter.

    Your piece sounds like a reproduction, and if the draw fronts are overlay, dust panels are especially unnecessary.

3. 
   VomSorb | Dec 09, 2004 08:23pm | #3

   Build them and use some 1/4" aromatic red cedar veneered plywood for the field, or solid cedar for an especially nice touch.

    

4. 
   notDusty | Dec 10, 2004 07:30am | #4

                             Hi Mark ,

             In some pieces the framework between drawers can be a structural element . I have made chests and dressers with the  frame without the dust panels . How does dust really get in there anyway ?

                                                dusty

5. 
   GRW | Dec 10, 2004 08:30pm | #5

   Mark,

   One more thought on the dust panels.. The panels help keep the

   contents of one drawer from jamming the drawer above.

   Stuart

6. 
   CharlieP | Dec 10, 2004 09:00pm | #6

   I like to use wood drawers on wood supports without metal drawer glides whenever possible - IMHO with good materials (not particle board) the metal glides are only needed for really heavy loads (file drawers) or for constant use (possibly desks and kitchen cabinets).  The wood on wood can create a tiny amount of dust, especially when the furniture is new, which would be isolated by the dust panel. 

   ________________________
   Charlie Plesums  Austin, Texas
   http://www.plesums.com/wood