i am new to fine woodworking and have become paranoid about solid panels moving, shrinking and cracking in my work. i am making solid cherry drawer fronts (12×30) and am wondering if i should take any precautions about how i atttach them to the boxes. my plan is to use screws sparingly placed going through the inside of the box into the separate drawer front. could this too rigidly anchor the front, thus causing cracking later? any suggestions appreciated. thanks, alex
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Replies
I always make the thru holes (in the boxes) elongated so the solid wood has a chance to expand and contract. If you use any glue, use it at the center of the board only.
Bill
If your drawer box is made from solid wood the grain in the front would be going in the same direction as the drawer front so I see no problem with gluing and using a few screws if you feel uncomfortable with glue only. I have made several hundred drawers and on the largest 12" fronts I have used both glue and screws. Also if you put on pulls the screws there also help hold the front. If the boxes are plywood I would only glue the center of the front and use screws with elongaded holes to allow for expansion.
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