Replies

1. 
   hammer1 | May 13, 2008 04:31pm | #1

   Make a stick the length between the slides on the front and check them on the back. Slides are very sensitive to the spacing between them and the drawer. The rear brackets allow a little movement which a solid attachment won't. 1/32" makes a big difference in their operation. A stick is a lot easier than trying to read a tape or rule in a deep tight space. Use one to set the height, too. If the drawer or the cabinet is slightly out of square, or wider at either end, you will have problems.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

1. 
   non trad stu | May 13, 2008 05:31pm | #2

   Thanks, I tried your approach and indeed the slides as mounted on the shims are > 1/32 closer at rear than front.  I'll try sanding down both shims in a slight taper.  Had not realised they would be so critical.  Would using brackets be a major hassle in fitting at this late stage?

1. 
   hammer1 | May 14, 2008 03:58am | #4

   If you haven't planned for the brackets, it may be better to forego them at this point. They can be difficult to mount on a 1/4" back if you didn't allow for screws sticking out. It doesn't sound like you have a lot of these to do. The first time can highlight small discrepancies in your work and planning. Most side mounted slides require a 9/16" space between the drawer side and the frame, on each side. It's best to be right on the money. Solid mounting to the sides of the cabinet is perfectly OK, you just don't have any room to move out without shaving.Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

1. 
   non trad stu | May 14, 2008 05:14pm | #5

   Thank you.  Actually I made the backs out of 1/2" ply but your point is well taken.  I have ordered one bracket set to experiment with.  As I review this first effort at kitchen cabinet making and installation it becomes clear that A I really did'nt have any idea of how many interdependant details there are,B There is a need to think through everything including slide type and mounting before making the cabinets, face frames etc and, as an ideal, to make and mount the drawers before cabinet and counter top installation and C Accuracy requirements are at least equal to those of any fine woodworking.  Got myself into a time crunch with general contractor who built our new house and I'm suffering as a result!.  Ah well, lessons learned.  Of the 4 books I bought and read on this subject none laid out clearly, at least to me,  the interdependancy of stuff nor did the sum of them.  Perhaps I shpould write one!

2. 
   AZChip | May 13, 2008 06:01pm | #3

   Sliders are always more sensitive to too little space than too much.  I am gererous with the spacing, adding up to 1/16" to the overall width of the drawer.