How to build a wooden chest of drawers with brass handles

Building a wooden chest of drawers with brass handles requires basic woodworking skills and some specialized tools. Here’s a general step-by-step guide:

Materials Needed:

• Hardwood (oak, maple, or pine)
• Wood glue
• Screws and nails
• Brass drawer handles
• Sandpaper (80, 120, and 220 grit)
• Wood finish (e.g., varnish, lacquer, or oil)
• Drawer slides (optional but recommended)
• Wood screws
• Drawer bottom material (plywood or MDF)
• Wood filler (optional)

Tools Required:

• Table saw or circular saw
• Miter saw or hand saw
• Drill and bits
• Wood clamps
• Measuring tape
• Square
• Screwdriver
• Jigsaw (for cutting curves or intricate shapes)
• Router (optional for adding details to edges)

Step 1: Plan and Cut the Pieces

1. Dimensions: Decide on the size of your chest of drawers. Typically, you will need:

   • Sides: 2 pieces (e.g., 30 inches tall x 18 inches deep)
   • Top and Bottom: 2 pieces (e.g., 36 inches wide x 18 inches deep)
   • Drawer Faces: 4 pieces (e.g., 36 inches wide x 8 inches tall)
   • Drawer Sides and Back: Multiple pieces cut to the same width (typically around 15-18 inches, depending on your drawer dimensions)

2. Cut the wood: Using a table saw or circular saw, cut all the pieces according to your design measurements.

Step 2: Assemble the Frame

1. Create the frame: Start by assembling the four sides of the chest. Using wood glue and screws, attach the sides to the top and bottom pieces, ensuring everything is square.

2. Reinforce corners: You can use corner brackets or dowels for additional strength, especially if the wood is heavy or thick.

Step 3: Build the Drawers

1. Cut the drawer components: For each drawer, you’ll need:

   • Front and back panels (same width as the opening)
   • Sides (same depth as the chest)
   • A bottom (cut to fit inside the drawer)

2. Assemble the drawers: Use wood glue and nails or screws to assemble the drawer box. Make sure all corners are square. You can reinforce with corner brackets or dovetail joints if desired.

3. Install the bottom: If you’re using plywood or MDF, fit the bottom into the drawer, securing it with wood glue and small nails or screws.

Step 4: Install Drawer Slides (Optional)

If you want smooth sliding action, you can install drawer slides. Mount them to the sides of the chest and the inside of the drawer using screws.

Step 5: Attach the Drawer Fronts

1. Align the fronts: Position the drawer fronts so that they are flush with the chest frame and screw them into place through the sides of the drawer.

2. Install the handles: Drill holes for the brass drawer handles, ensuring they are centered and aligned across all drawers. Attach the handles using the provided screws.

Step 6: Sand and Finish

1. Sanding: Sand all surfaces, starting with 80-grit sandpaper to remove rough edges, then move to 120-grit and finish with 220-grit sandpaper for a smooth surface.

2. Apply finish: Apply your chosen wood finish (e.g., varnish or lacquer) to the entire piece to protect it and give it a nice sheen. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times between coats.

Step 7: Final Assembly

1. Install the drawers: Slide the drawers into place. If using slides, ensure everything operates smoothly.
2. Touch up: Fill any visible gaps or holes with wood filler and touch up the finish if necessary.

Optional:

• Brass inlays or details: You can add decorative brass inlays or edge details to give your chest a more custom look.

Once done, you’ll have a sturdy, beautiful wooden chest of drawers with brass handles ready for use!