Drawer Plywood Thickness (1 Viewer)

[Explorer4Hire]

I may start building my drawers for the FJ. I’m basically copying the Drifta design. It’s perfect for how I’m looking to set up. My question is... 1/2 or 3/4 for the box? Is 3/4 over-engendered for drawers? Or should I stick with 3/4 box and 1/2 for drawers? Your thoughts...

Cc @76FJ40

 

[76FJ40]

I would use 3/4 regular ply or 1/2 Baltic Birch for the box (3/4 for the top if you plan to pit much weight on it). Rabbet the box sides and back. Also suggest 1/2 Baltic for the drawers so you can dovetail or at least use rabbets for the front and dados for the back. I don't think you'll be happy with regular ply for the drawers. Shop around for the Baltic as prices vary widely.

You can also ask @fireball for his recommendations; he's made drawers for a number of Cruisers.

 

[Explorer4Hire]

My plan is for Baltic. I planned on regular rabbet butt joints. Maybe dados in rear but not dovetails. With Baltic would you still say 3/4 for top. I’m painting and covering surfaces with marine carpet. Thanks!

 

[Devilmans Hand]

Think I used 3/4 for the frame and 1/2 Baltic Birch for my two sets that I've built. No fancy joints, just glued and screwed. Plenty strong, but eventually I'll upgrade my slides. I've managed to stuff more tools in there that I had planned for.

 

[Explorer4Hire]

I’ll be doing some plastic/composit slides. Definitely going to use rabbet or dado joints. My tentative plan is Baltic for the material, 1/2 for bottom, sides, back, drawers, and center devider, with 3/4 on top. Marine carpet, stainless hardware.

 

[76FJ40]

Assuming 2 drawers and a rib between them 1/2" Baltic should be ok unless you're putting something heavy like a fridge or a bunch of tools on top.

 

[JohnVee]

The PO of my wife's LX used a hole saw to cut some 2" holes in the sides of the drawer carcass that he built. Anything to keep weight down. I'd snap a pic but it's 400 miles away in my basement.

 

[Explorer4Hire]

I get the idea. Clever. There may be some heavy stuff in the future. I may have to do all 3/4. Or I could just give it a go with a 3/4 top. I’ll send pictures when I start.

 

[KiPod]

I used 3/4 birch for mine. It’s working well so far.

 

[Explorer4Hire]

Looks nice. I got all my plans drawn up. Ordered some stainless slam paddle latches and poly material to cut for slides. Construction will begin soon. I’ll post up when I’m all finished.

 

[burgundy91]

hows it going?

 

[Explorer4Hire]

I’ve been done. Sorry I posted all the progress in the “pretty quiet in here” thread. Turned out great. I even had to use the factory jack access hole I made in the left drawer the other day to change a tire!

 

[Jakes40]

I like the diamond plate top.

 

[Explorer4Hire]

Thanks. It gives it a clean look. It will keep the carpet edge from getting messed up. The little slot above the right drawer is for a slide out tray.