Replies

1. 
   Jfrostjr | Dec 25, 2009 12:06pm | #1

   Wes, I'm not sure I'm doing
   Wes, I'm not sure I'm doing this the right way (still figuring out the new system) but here goes.

   I believe there are two approaches to your issue:

   Stain the fronts, protecting the dovetail recesses as much as possible, then place the glue and insert the sides. (A dovetail is inherently strong mechanically so I don't think any slight intrusion of stain is going to reduce the joint strength significantly.) - or -

   Finish the sides with several coats of poly, shellac or whatever, assemble the drawer and assume the stain will not affect the pre-finished sides. However this way there is more risk of getting poly in the joints, which would have a greater impact glue adhesion that the stain would.

   Personally, I would go with the first suggestion and leave the sides unfinished.

   Good luck, Jerry

1. 
   wcrowell | Dec 25, 2009 01:39pm | #3

   thanks; I like the first answer the best..

2. 
   JeffHeath | Dec 25, 2009 12:18pm | #2

   Wes
   It's considered standard
   Wes

   It's considered standard operating procedure in the cabinetmaking business to go ahead and stain the drawer fronts first, being extremely careful to not get stain in the dovetail recesses. If you want to be extremely careful, tape up the glue-up surfaces with some blue or green tape to keep the stain out.

   Merry Christmas,

   Jeff

1. 
   wcrowell | Dec 25, 2009 01:40pm | #4

   thanks jeff...this is how i'll do it...