2

Building some slide out panels inside kitchen cabinets, with only a drill at my disposal.

Bottom: I've selected drawer runners that mount to the bottom of the drawer, I'm thinking I use a slab of 15mm (19/32") plywood as the bottom.

Fence: Probably also use 15mm to build a 75mm (3") high fence around the perimeter to prevent stuff from sliding off.

Handle: Undecided on putting on a simple handle, but if I did I'd probably attach it to the bottom slab rather than the fence. Probably won't though.

So here is my question: What options do I have in terms of joinery, given I have only a drill at my disposal. I don't have a pocket hole jig, I can't make dados easily, or create dovetails etc. I am thinking using a doweled butt joint is the only real option I have ... combined with glue throughout. This both to connect the fence pieces to one another, as well as to the base plate.

Would welcome any comments.


Adding information re. norcal johnny's comment

enter image description here

Trying to achieve something like this. This is most certainly a functional design, not so much a need to make it look pretty.

enter image description here

These are not the exact drawer runners I'm using, but indicate how the bottom slab would be mounted.

I can't show a photo of the current situation, as I'm not at the location where I'll be building this. Just preparing myself prior to the journey there. But, it's a situation very typical to the below. Drawer runners will already purchased.

3
  • Can you post a pic of the area, and maybe of something similar you are trying to achieve? Also how important is final look..is this more for use or cosmetics? Thats great you are trying to take this on with only a drill but it will limit design as you obviously realize. :) Oct 26, 2016 at 6:12
  • Added some more information. Thanks for your comment! Oct 26, 2016 at 6:22
  • You're joking right? :-) . Every man knows that a home job is nothing but an excuse to buy more tools. Oct 26, 2016 at 14:49

2 Answers 2

4

Some table leg brackets and screws should be all you need, besides the rails which makes no difference in this concept.

Using table leg brackets will allow you to fasten and sandwich the pieces of wood material nicely with minimal unintentional industrial look. :P

4 Table leg brackets per drawer

enter image description here

Place one bracket on top of each corner of the plywood and screw to the plywood.

enter image description here

Next add the fencing around the sides and fasten with screws. enter image description here

I was going to suggest other methods, like creating a table temp drill press in a table saw style and also using L-brackets but the more I thought of it, the more I realized this may simply be the easiest and best looking results. If you have any other concrens please feel free to ask. Cheers.

7
  • That's a great idea and probably stronger than using dowels. I hope I can find these things in a hardware store near the place I'll be doing this job. Selection of hardware is usually quite limited. Thanks very much for the suggestion! Oct 26, 2016 at 8:16
  • As a backup: any thoughts on using dowels for this job? Oct 26, 2016 at 8:16
  • If you did dowels, you would need to have a steady hand or set up a jig of some sort that allows your drill to lay sideways and push the fencing towards it like a table saw is used. Make sense? If you take that route, just add 2 dowels, one at top and bottom for each side and at least one every 6 inches where the ply meets the sides. That is usually delicate/finish work and with only a drill it can be done but will require with a lot of patience and care. :) Oct 26, 2016 at 8:23
  • Perfect. Thanks very much for the comments! Will look for the braces as a first choice, dowels second. Oct 26, 2016 at 8:27
  • My pleasure. If you have any other concerns please feel free to ask. Oct 26, 2016 at 8:33
1

Rather than table-leg brackets, I'd use furniture blocks.

enter image description here

Advantages

  • made for this sort of job
  • cheap
  • small
  • available in several colours

Disadvantages

  • ugly
  • need a reasonable thickness of wood to hold screws
  • not as strong as glued joinery (but you could use these to hold glued butt-joints in place)

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.