Replies

1. 
   joinerswork | Mar 31, 2008 03:03pm | #1

   manko,

   Something has prevented the drawer divide from following the shelf as it shrank.  Without any info on how you framed the drawer support, I'm going to guess that the problem is with the drawer guide, behind the divider, and/or the drawer bearer (support) underneath, which have their grain running perpendicular to the grain of the shelf above.  When the shelf got narrower, they did not get shorter, and pushed the divider "out" from the edge pf the shelf.

   To correct this, you will need to re-engineer the  construction of your drawer framing.  I generally make the bearer 1/4" or so too short, and assemble dry (no glue in this joint, so it can float as things swell and shrink) using a tenon long enough to span the gap between the tenon's shoulders, and the mortise in the back of the rail or divide. 

   If your guide is nailed or glued to a solid support (like the shelf, but below the drawers), it ought to have been made short enough (with a gap between its front end and the divide) so that the shelf, bottom support, and divide can come and go as a unit, with the guide floating in place behind the divide.

   Hope this helps,

   Ray

1. 
   manko | Apr 01, 2008 06:06am | #2

   Thanks for the advice. That would have been helpful before I started the project, but at least I can learn from mistakes.

   I read that sealing the piece when I finish would restrict movement, and prevent this from happening again. Is this going to help?

    

   Sawdust for breakfast, lunch, and dinner

1. 
   joinerswork | Apr 01, 2008 04:30pm | #3

   manko,

   You'd have to seal the whole thing in epoxy to totally eliminate seasonal movement.  A film finish such as shellac or varnish will slow the transfer of moisture from the air to the wood, and back again, but will not prevent it.

   Attempts to ignore or physically restrain movement will end in disappointment, unless the piece is in an environment that does not have any humidity changes..

   Ray