Drawer Boxes

[rrich]

I'm making drawer boxes from 1/2" Baltic Birch.

I've been trying to orient the grain so that it is vertical when the drawer box is assembled. Does anybody here build drawer boxes with the grain in a horizontal orientation?

Also, do you finish the drawer boxes? I've been using amber shellac. Does anyone else do the same?

[brownkm52]

Horizontal - yep. Don't know why, I just think it looks more "natural".

Finish - yep. 2 coats of wipe-on poly, just to give them some smoothness & a little protection.

- Kevin

[beamerweb]

Horizontal, yes - seems natural to me.

I have yet to put a finish on the inside or hidden portions of a drawer. Only the front got a finish on my end tables.

[BradTheNailer]

Horizontal for me.

I only finish the outsides of the boxes. The inside I leave raw
or spray a light coat of dewaxed shellac to seal it and let the boxes sit out for a few weeks so as to air out good. I hate opening up a drawer or cabinet and smelling the finish inside...especially months after the project is completed.

"I just don't understand...
I've cut it three times and it's still too short!"

[link:www.mgsawmill.com|M&G Sawmill]. Makers of the finest sawdust in Texas.
Oh, did I mention we have hardwood as well?

http://www.mgsawmill.com/images/flag.gif http://www.mgsawmill.com/images/texas.gif

[JBark]

Is there another way to orient the grain for a drawer?

John

[dcarter636]

With BB plywood, grain orientation probably doesn't really mean spit as far as strengh but I would be concerned about vertical grained skins chafing and splintering more that horzontal when rubbed against the sides of a face frame.

Now if you're one of those gadgety types who uses ball slides then grain orientation of the skin should not be a real concern at all.

[cabinetman]

Some of the decision on grain direction I extract from the premise of how would it be done if the piece was in solid wood. I fabricate drawers in hardwood plywood with horizontal grain orientation. I also finish drawers inside and out, either in lacquer or WB polyurethane.

[dvelleux]

rrich,

>Does anybody here build drawer boxes with the grain in a horizontal orientation?
- Yes. ALL drawer sides and front/backs should be orient with horizontal grain, as you look at the box. The grain of the drawer bottom should run left to right as you look into the box as well...

>Also, do you finish the drawer boxes?
- Yes. Inside and out with a clear sealer and lacquer topcosat...

[Jeffk]

Rich: I've always oriented my grain on drawers horizontally, and I do finish them inside and out. The drawers in my shop cabinets got a couple coats of wipe on poly and the drawers in the apothecary chest that I posted pictures of a couple of weeks ago were finished with shellac.