This drawer fits ...
... however it is a tight squeeze and I know that there are issues which need to be corrected before glue is applied. It is the same for every drawer.
Each drawer needs to go through an assessment, trouble-shooting for issues, until the drawer moves smoothly.
I need to point out at this stage that, although drawers are made in batches (a row), each drawer is fitted, tuned, and glued up before assembling the next drawer. At this stage, six (of ten) drawers have been completed to this stage. There is one further stage after this chapter.
So we pull the drawer out of the case. It comes out with effort. The sides twist slightly - I can feel one side is moving more freely than the other. Something is causing it to hang up.
Examining the half-blind dovetails, the first item of note is that there is a slightly raised pin ...
Since the drawer is a dry fit, it is a simple matter to knock it apart to make any fixes.
The pin is planed flat.
I note that the one drawer side sits a little proud at the underside, about 1mm ... maybe not even that much ..
This is also planed down.
The drawer back is presented to the case opening ...
It is a tight fit now. It will be a tighter fit later if there is moisture in the air. The drawer back is removed and the height planed down by about 1mm. Re-assembled,
the sides now are higher ...
The sides are planed to the side height ...
I can still feel a little more stickiness on one side. Are the sides flat, or has there a cup developed to create a high spot?
Yes. Slight but it is there ...
Plane this flat. Just a few thin shavings ...
Now the drawer is moving well - it feels taut, but free.
The case is waxed, not so much at this stage to promote ease of movement, but to prevent any glue adhering to the sides ..
Now we are ready to glue the drawer parts. Here are the items involved ...
I am using Titebond Liquid Hide Glue. I like that it has a longer open time, that it is reversible, repairable, and cleans up with water. There is a spatula for application, a fishtail chisel handy if a corner needs to be cleaned, a small mallet, and a wet rag.
The hide glue is decanted into a small bottle ...
This small bottle is a game changer! I was watching Rob Cosman and noted that he used small bottles as well. I found a bunch on eBay. What they do is let you deposit glue in exactly the spot you want to do, and then the spatula lets you spread it around.
I only glue one side of the joint, but there is enough for both sides ...
It is important that the sides are seated flush ...
The drawer looks good ...
... and, importantly, slides into the case smoothly and firmly.
Regards from Perth
Derek