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Walnut-Veneer Computer-Desk: Drawer-Case Dividers From "Wood Works" episode WWK-710

The drawer-case is strengthened using drawer-dividers and frames.

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In this special two-episode installment of Wood Works, David Marks constructs a contemporary styled computer-desk. In this segment, the drawer-case is strengthened using drawer-dividers and frames.

Tools and materials used in this project:

Claro-walnut stock for veneers
Maple stock
Baltic birch plywood stock
Ebony stock for handles
Maple plywood stock
MDF for templates and mockup
Table saw; cross-cut sled; dado blade
Miter jig
Circular saw
Jointer
Power planer
Band saw
Table router
Biscuit jointer
Drill press
Clamps
Yellow woodworker's glue
Slow-setting resin glue
Glue roller
Hand scraper
Hand plane
File
Razor hand-saw
Cordless drill; Phillips screwdriver attachment
Threaded inserts
Sandpaper, various grits
Straight-edge
Tape measure
Carpenter's pencil
Chalk
Carpenter's tape
Safety glasses or goggles

Safety Alert: Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses, and follow proper safety precautions, when working with wood, power-tools, saws, drills, routers, etc.

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Drawer-Case Dividers

Dividers, cut and milled from maple stock, connect the two sides and hold the drawer-case together. As seen on the prototype, three supports are made in the form of maple frames (figure A). Each frame is made with half-lap joints and measures 23-3/4" long x 18-1/4" wide x 1/2" thick. They are glued into the dados that were cut in the sides earlier. The top two dividers are not full frames, and simply span the width across front of the case (figure B).

Figure A

Figure B

• To make the half-lap joints for the frames, first make a saw-cut in both ends of the stock, using a tenoning jig at the table saw.

• Then, using the cross-cut sled, cut away the waste to reveal the half-lap (figure C). Equal parts are cut away for each half-lap to maintain the same thickness of the frame (figure D).

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

  
  

• Apply yellow glue to the joints, and allow the frames to dry under solid clamping pressure (figure E).

• Once the frames are dry, square one side at the table saw to prep it for edge-banding. Use a jointed block to ensure that the cut is straight (figure F).

  Figure E

  Figure F

  
  

  
  

• Spread glue along the squared frame-edge and the walnut banding strip.
  
  
• Position the strip, clamp it with tape (figure G) and let it cure for several hours.

• Edge-band the short top-drawer dividers (figure H) at the same time.

• Once the glue has dried, scrape all of the edges flush with a hand scraper.

  Figure G

  Figure H

  
  

  
  

• At the table saw, trim the drawer-dividers to length (figure I) and flush up the frame edges.
  
  
• Remove the cross-cut sled and cut the frames to final width (figure J), simultaneously flushing up the banding strips.

  Figure I

  Figure J

  
  

  
  

• Now stack all three frames, and the two dividers, against the fence of the cross-cut sled and cut a 1/8" x 1/4" notch into the banding on both sides (figure K). This will give the banding a 1/16" reveal across the front (figure L).

  Figure K

  Figure L

  
  

  Figure M
  Figure N

  
  

• Before assembling the carcass, there is one more step. Since we want this desk to be able to be disassembled for ease in moving. For that reason, threaded inserts (figure M) will be used to connect the carcass with the L-shaped back-panel assembly. The metal collars will be inserted into the back panel, and the screws will come through the side-panel into the collar, pulling the two assemblies together. As such, the inserts act much like clamps.
  
  
• Using a hand-drill, pre-drill two holes through the dado in the panel (figure N), then counter-sink the holes just on the inside.

  
  

• Sand the interior surfaces of the panels with 220-grit. It's easier to sand these surfaces now, before glue-up.
  

RESOURCES :

The Small Wood Shop (The Best of Fine Woodworking)
Author: Helen Albert (Editor)
Publisher: Taunton Press
ISBN: 1561580619

Woodworking Techniques: Best Methods for Building Furniture from Fine Woodworking
Author: Editors of Fine Woodworking magazine
Publisher: Taunton Press
ISBN: 1561583456

David Marks Website
David Marks, DIY's Wood Works host, is a master woodworker. For more information on cut sizes and project details, please contact him via his Website at www.djmarks.com

Woodworker's Guide to Wood: Softwoods, Hardwoods, Plywoods, Composite, Veneers
Model: 080836878
Author: Rick Peters
(2000)
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com

Fine Woodworking
A magazine devoted to high-quality craftsmanship in woodworking.
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com