Dovetail Drawer Stock Thichness

[Will Williamson]

What is the minimum and the maximum drawer stock thickness. I understand there are two different dovetail drawer cutters available. Does anyone know the minimum and maximum drawer side thickness for each of these cutters.

[Wayne Adelkopf]

There are 3 bits avail/ at the following for 1/2", 5/8 & 3/4" stock;
http://www.woodworkerswholesale.com/Sea ... h=dovetail

[Scott G Vaal]

Will,
The only real limit is the minimum material thickness. For the tool designed for 1/2" material, the thickness should probably not get below about .40" and for sure not below .35" because the tail/cut depth on the 1/2" tool is .35". This 1/2" tool can be used on any thickness material above this .40" value, but it will just have .35" long tails going into the mating part.

...And as Wayne mentioned, Thermwood offers 1/2", 5/8", & 3/4" versions of this tool and the cut depths are listed with each version.
http://www.woodworkerswholesale.com/Sea ... h=dovetail

[Will Williamson]

Thanks, I have not been on woodworkers wholesale for a while. I will check it out

[Will Williamson]

Thanks, I have not been on woodworkers wholesale for a while. I will check it out

[Will Williamson]

Where can I find directions for the use of these cutters? What about the straight bit? Do you use the same straight bit for the different size tools?

[Wayne Adelkopf]

The Thermwood bits come with instructions and suggested settings.
The straight bit is specified in CN settings. Typically a 1/4" set for dovetail.

[Will Williamson]

What style straight cutter do you use for premium results? Is Baltic birch the wood of choice for drawer sides and what about the bottom 1/4 " Melamine?
What about feed rates?

[Michael S Murray]

Hi Will,
We use 5/8" baltic birch, you will find most undermounts set up for 5/8".
Good baltic birch works great,stays flat machines well and finishes nice, we offer a upgrade to solid wood, but have not had a taker for years..
And I am talking fireman to doctors, they dont seem to care truthfully.

[Will Williamson]

Thanks Mike
I've read your posts in the past where you use 5/8" for drawer sides. But not why. They fit the hardware. Good deal thanks
The last drawer I made was 5 years ago.
My main reason for this post is to be able to form a mental picture of minimum to maximum drawer side thickness with Ecabinets
Actually what I was thinking of was 1/4" drawer sides for small Drawers (3" X 6" )or 1" Drawer Sides For large Boxes.

[Michael S Murray]

Will,
I made a granite display box for my showroom, it is basically a standard drawer box for us.
5/8 baltic birch, dovetails, and a 1/2 plywood bottom.
It is about 40" wide, and 14" deep, and 4" high.
It has at least 175 pounds of quartz and granite in it, my son and I picked it up full the other day and the drawer box did not even flex,
So that is good enough for me..