Replies

1. 
   Buche | May 08, 2008 12:00am | #1

   Hello James,
   I used simple butt joints, biscuit jointed and screwed for my pantry ( which is only 16" wide). It seems to hold up well. I have used blum slides which are rated for 100lbs (I think). If you are concerned about the individual weight, you could consider putting in a vertical divider and doubling the number of slides (and the cost for the hardware).
   I found that the higher drawers (for you at about 70" height) get a bit cumbersome as it is hard to see what's in them. Just something to consider.

   Cheers,

   Lars

1. 
   James R. | May 08, 2008 08:47pm | #2

   Thanks for the advice.  I've already built the carcase using rabbets with glue and screws.  I have also done as you mentioned and placed a center divider for strength and to decrease the drawer width.  I'm 6' 6" tall so height won't be a problem for me.  My wife is also fairly tall, however I told her I'll put the highest drawer low enough for her to reach, with enough room for large light things such as paper towel rolls, etc.

   You're right about the divider.  I'll be buying twice as many drawer glides, but I can use lighter duty glides and they're a little less costly.

   How did you make the drawers?

   Jim

1. 
   Buche | May 08, 2008 11:55pm | #3

   Hello Jim,
   I used half inch Baltic birch throughout, butt-jointed all corners and reinforced the fronts with #6 screws. the bottoms sit in grooves half an inch (I think) from the bottom edge. That distance was governed by the Blum slides that I used.
   If I had to do it again, I'd probably use 5/8" for the sides and use some sort of box- or lock-rabbet joint (you live and learn, right)Cheers,Lars

1. 
   James R. | May 09, 2008 12:59am | #5

   Lars

   Thanks for the tips.  Hopefully with your and others help I'll save myself some trouble and re-dos.

   Jim

2. 
   user-148830 | May 09, 2008 12:15am | #4

   Hey James,
   Plywood does not dovetail all that well. I'd go pocket screws and rabbets myself for a pantry. They'll hold great with no tear-out issues.

   As for drawer glides, I always used full extension glides with at least a 100lb. rating. No need for anything else but the glides. You can get them rated heavier too, but 100lb. should do the trick unless you know you'll be loading these drawers up. Use all the screw holes in the glide to support them well. Good luck. Gary

1. 
   James R. | May 09, 2008 01:03am | #6

   Thanks Gary

   Good info on the glides, especially since in the past I've only used some of the screw holes.  Trying to be frugal I guess.

   Jim

   Edited 5/8/2008 7:23 pm ET by James R.