Slow goes it.

What’s the saying?  “Hind sight is 20/20.” ?  When designing the desk on a computer, the drawer depth was the starting point.  It was the important dimension to ensure the material that is going to be stored in the drawer can fit.  There was a dimension forgotten about.  There is no space between the back of the drawer and the back of the desk.  That means any error in sanding and assembly will show in the front of the desk.  Sure enough, when the drawer fronts were put on, there was a little bit sticking out.  That means more work.  The front itself is bigger than the box.  A router was used to remove material from the drawer front to allow the drawer box to sit in the recessed area.  This caused a new challenge.  How do the fronts get attached to the box.  There is now 3/8” of material to screw into.  After a little testing found a 3/4” screw and a little pilot hole is the right size to go through the 1/2” drawer box, and a little bit of the drawer front.  This is less than ideal.  Only time will tell if this is an acceptable solution. 

Plan for a little error.

Slow goes it.  Drawer fronts are almost trimmed to size.  A little of the edges, a little of the bottom, and a little bit of touch up stain. #deskproject #diy #doityourself #handyman #woodworking #wood #carpentry #maker #makersgonnamake
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Drawers are installed.

Drawer slides have two main components.  They separate for installation and then joined when complete.  The main part of the drawer slide is installed in the desk.  A small piece is installed on the drawer.  The process takes a bit of time.  With the drawer slide extended, the drawer is placed in the desk with most of the drawer still out, and only the back side of the drawer in place.   A couple wedges are used to center the drawer, and the back of the slide is screwed to the drawer.  The drawer is moved almost all the way in with only enough sticking out to reach the screw hole on the drawer slide.  Wedges are used again to keep the front of the drawer centered in place.  The back of the drawer is held by the screwed installed before.  Once, set in place, the front two screws are installed.  At that point the drawer should roll freely on the slide.  The last part is to install a few screws in the center, and then adjust the depth of the slide.

Drawers are in.  Fronts are tomorrow.#deskproject #diy #doityourself #handyman #woodworking #wood #carpentry #maker #makersgonnamake
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Desk bottom installed

The bottom is a piece of 3/4” birch plywood that is also finished with Rubio.  Plywood was selected as a result of it being hidden under the desk.  People really won’t see it unless they are under the desk.  The finish looks good.  Probably the most obvious thing are the pocket holes.  A large number of pocket holes were used to ensure there is enough strength.  Pocket holes are not known for their strength, so using a lot of them will only help.  Glues was not used in fear of needing to disassemble in the future. 

Desk bottom installed.  Used birch plywood because it won't be seen unless you are hiding under it.#deskproject #diy #doityourself #handyman #woodworking #wood #carpentry #maker #makersgonnamake
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