ArcadeCab

Cabinet Plans 2: The Drawer

The Drawer 
Before we build the drawer itself, we will want to add a 1" strip above it.  This will keep the control panel support area from ever pulling apart and making the drawer stick.  I used a similar design on my original cabinet and it has proved worthwhile.

Start by cutting a 1" strip 20" wide (see A).  Locate it approximately 2.25" from the front of the cabinet.  Use two small, one-inch "L" brackets to attach the strip.  Use a clamp to hold it in place while you drive in the screws (as in picture B).  When finished it should look like D.

A

B

C

D

 

Now cut a board a board 19-7/8" x 3-1/4".  This will be the drawer front.  While you are at the table saw, cut a board 19-1/4" x 16" for the drawer itself.  I designed the drawer proper to be glued into a slot in  the drawer front.  This will be very sturdy and be elegant, at least by my standards.  Although there are no pictures, I cut the slot 1/4" from the bottom using a 3/4" straight bit.  I cut it approximately 1/4" deep.  You can see how the slot looks in picture F.

Note- The brackets that I used are 15.8" Euro-style, Self-Close drawer slides (Model KV1805) rated for 75 lbs that I picked up at Lowes.

Next, attach the drawer rails.  You can see Scott trying to avoid (unsuccessfully, I might add) being captured by the camera as he was attaching the rails.  After you attach the rails, attach the receiving rails inside the cabinet.  I have no trick to installing them correctly; it took about four attempts to get them right and to slide smoothly.
 

E

F

G

H

 Once you get the drawer installed correctly, it should look like pictures I through K.  At some point during this process the drawer front was glued on and allowed to dry.

 

I

J

K

 

The door is next.