I had a perfect grain matched set of drawer fronts that even Cremona would be proud of. Managed to drive screws that were too long from inside the drawer and didn’t realize until drawer 3. Talk about a bad day. Love this method though. I use it on nearly all of my projects thanks to you!
I’m not a wood worker but like to build things, I’ve been making a kitchen rolling island with 3 in set drawers and couldn’t mount the drawer fronts to save my life, thanks for the video, I’m on my way to buy the pull handles now so I can finish this, thanks again
I've got 10 drawer fronts to install later this week that are 1/8" spaced apart on all sides...this is a great tip that I'll use to get it done! Thank you.
After I spent an entire afternoon trying to follow the guidance from an "expert" on how to use gorilla two-sided tape to install drawer fronts I was ready to commit myself to a mental institution (who, on Earth, does this work for???????). Then, in desperation, I consulted the UA-cam Gods (of which you are one) and finally installed ONE drawer front. It doesn't look bad. I am a first-timer with doing such things and everything is new. THANK YOU for your help, I appreciate it!
Good move keeping all your screws in a line, I regularly see people put solid wood drawer fronts on with four screws in the back in all corners, thats just asking for a crack with seasonal movement! Nice video!
Holy smokes, this is going to be super helpful - thanks! I just started building new kitchen cabinets with all drawers on the bottom and installing the fronts has always been such a pain!
I loved the creme soda story. Here in CT., we have Foxon Park soda, still in glass bottles except for the liter size and every time I order pizza, I treat myself to a Creme or Birch Beer soda. Its style made the old fashion way with sugar so I watch sugar intake. But hey, it's Pizza, you have to have a soda with it!!
That looks like it might be IBC cream soda. I'm partial to IBC root beer but I haven't been able to find it for the last few months. I guess the pandemic has affected production. I'm so over this! This process is a keeper.
Ah so simple. Perfect timing. I’m just about to do the draw fronts on my first cabinet and I was suffering from a bit of option paralysis. Just decided I’m using this method.
OMG...cream soda w/ Pizza. I grew up in Ohio, but my parents were from NY. My dad introduced me to cream soda. It was red. Then, when we were in NY, he bought me a Dr. Browns. It was ginger colored, and SO MUCH BETTER than the red I had started with. I still love a good Dr. Browns cream soda as a treat! BTW...great tips on the drawer fronts.
Tomato Pie! Grew up in Trenton, NJ where everywhere had Tomato Pie. Never even ever heard the word "pizza". BTW, love the work you do and the detail into which you go for each project.
OMG! I love craft soda like other folks like craft beer. All this talk of amber or red cream soda, birch beer, and root beer is making me thirsty. Being a transplant from Ohio to the South, I can tell you I miss them as well as Vernor’s. These stores here don’t know jack about any of those. It’s sad really. Anyway, great video and quick lesson on drawer fronts. Thank!
I would love to build that cabinet or work bench. Do you have plans for this one you doing the doors on. I see under your miter saw you are using a Festool collection vac is that enough for the dust the miter saw makes. Thank You, Tom
This is a fantastic way to put fronts on as the spacing is the hardest part . I think I would put some glue between the drawer front and the drawer box . To me this would seem to really make sure that front wouldn’t come loose especially on bigger drawers . Can anyone think of a downside to glueing them together ?
In the video, you say to leave the drawer fronts a little oversized, but then you didn't come back to that. Is that so if there is any misalignment you can shave them down so they line up?
Should the screws we use to temporarily attach the false drawer front be the same size as the machine screw that will attach the knobs? More or less screw size #8?
on site install for joiners unfortunately can't do it this way as nice as it is. A pack of playing cards is ideal as spacers or some window packers in your tool box of different sizes and a couple of deep clamps/quick clamps to hold the drawer front onto your drawer once you space it evenly with your packers, drill a couple of screws in from behind and your drawer front attached working from the bottom up one at a time. then you can line up you handle holes with a combo square, template tool or preferred method, pre drill and insert you snap screws and job done. Certainly more the UK on site method for kitchens, wardrobes etc. only means you have an extra couple of screws inside the drawer but a lot faster and easier than this method, but also a neccisity when you cant lift a kitchen island up and down or a fitted wardrobe carcass out of position just to fit handles.
Is that a keyless chuck I saw on your drill press? I didn’t see it on your Amazon site so can you tell me which brand it is and where I might find it? Thanks
Wow! This is how my dad and I used to install drawer fronts well over a decade ago. I didn't think anyone else did it this way. Things we did differently were glue the fronts and pre drill the holes on the back side before the fronts were put on. This is cool to see someone else using the hardware holes like we did! The main reason we did it this way is the jig we used to drill the hardware holes couldn't be used once the drawer fronts were installed, so it only made sense to drill the holes before installing the fronts. Now, over a decade later, alignment jigs are much more common and cheap.
Thanks for the tips and all your great videos. What kind of drill bit is that you’re drilling the hardware holes with, black collar, green ring. Thanks again!
Interesting. Have you ever had an issue with the drawer pulls being off center from each other? I guess that would only be an issue if the frame was out of square. I’ve always found center line after installing the fronts, then drill the holes for the pulls.
As you mentioned, that would only be a problem if something is off in the cabinet itself. If the drawers are all aligned with the shims in place, it should be safe to drill for the hardware consistently on each front and have them all lined up perfectly in the finished product.
What do you when you have something like shaker door fronts? My main concern is getting the fit perfect, trimming it down after they are built sounds like it could cause some issues
In that case you'd want to be a lot more careful about measuring your drawers BEFORE you build them. So you'll be doing some math or cutting some scraps and standins. Then build the doors to exact size so they only require minimal work to fit perfectly into the opening.
This is pretty cool. What's the next best way, if you are not using any hardware for handles? Let's say you mill out a pocket in the middle of the drawer front. Then what? Part 2? Pls
Upon unboxing, I was immediately upset at how the rails were very noticeably bent. But I kept going, all tools needed to assemble were included ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxqtX4Dxs6aecAZEuz6GY5-d81YecKCshn and I had it set up in about 30 minutes. Honestly I love this thing, make sure to read the measurements and measure your space so you know if it'll work for you. I bought this to put inside my closet, underneath where I hang my clothes and it is absolutely perfect! It is VERY sturdy and all drawers glide easily and mine are stuffed, and they are still flush when closed.
I have seen you use this trick and heard others credit you for it. Thanks for the full version. I really would like your opinion on jointer/planer cutter heads. I realize the helical ones are the best choice my question is are their significant differences between Byrd, Luxcut, and vendor brands such as Grizzly?
I am not totally sure. I am sure there are specific differences but I have used Shelix and also some proprietary versions and never thought one was significantly better than the other.
@@woodwhisperer thank you for the quick reply. I am about to equip my dream shop(recent retiree) the brand jointer and planer have their own versions. I have been trying to determine if replacing a new head would be worth the cost and effort. They wont install the name brand heads from the factory.
I haven't tried hot glue but I have used double sided tape and brad nails, which would be similar in concept. I find this way quite a bit easier and more reliable.
Looking for that countersink bit? Here ya go! amzn.to/3ja2V7i
OMG a 3 minute woodworking video (on YT!) YES PLEASE! Awesome results and a delightful personal story too 👏🏻
I had a perfect grain matched set of drawer fronts that even Cremona would be proud of. Managed to drive screws that were too long from inside the drawer and didn’t realize until drawer 3. Talk about a bad day.
Love this method though. I use it on nearly all of my projects thanks to you!
Wow, just determined that I have been watching you since day 1, 14 years. I have enjoyed each and every video.
I’m not a wood worker but like to build things, I’ve been making a kitchen rolling island with 3 in set drawers and couldn’t mount the drawer fronts to save my life, thanks for the video, I’m on my way to buy the pull handles now so I can finish this, thanks again
Easy and simple concept. Great work! I’ll be doing this shortly.
Sometimes you have the perfect short video to refresh my brain on how to do a job I don’t do too often. This is one of those times. Thanks!
That was great. A perfect answer for a question I had as a beginner woodworker. Thank you!
Oh man, was just struggling with my first drawer front install last week. This video will live rent free in my head from now on!
I've got 10 drawer fronts to install later this week that are 1/8" spaced apart on all sides...this is a great tip that I'll use to get it done! Thank you.
That is certainly a straightforward approach. And it does look foolproof. Thank you for sharing. Have a great 2021 and stay healthy.
Thank you. Used your technique this morning and it worked like a charm.
Thank you for posting this today as I just yesterday finished 6 drawers.
I like this method much more than the playing card method! Thanks for sharing Marc.
Thanks man.
Perfect timing ! I have 3 drawers to do and have been dreading the fight. Thanks Marc !
Wow Thanks Mark. Great idea. I always struggle with the fronts and this looks like a great solution.
After I spent an entire afternoon trying to follow the guidance from an "expert" on how to use gorilla two-sided tape to install drawer fronts I was ready to commit myself to a mental institution (who, on Earth, does this work for???????). Then, in desperation, I consulted the UA-cam Gods (of which you are one) and finally installed ONE drawer front. It doesn't look bad. I am a first-timer with doing such things and everything is new. THANK YOU for your help, I appreciate it!
Thank you so much. I tried this, and it worked incredibly well.
Thank you! Im building my first ever cabinet and this is saving me TONS of headaches.
Good move keeping all your screws in a line, I regularly see people put solid wood drawer fronts on with four screws in the back in all corners, thats just asking for a crack with seasonal movement! Nice video!
Holy smokes, this is going to be super helpful - thanks! I just started building new kitchen cabinets with all drawers on the bottom and installing the fronts has always been such a pain!
I loved the creme soda story. Here in CT., we have Foxon Park soda, still in glass bottles except for the liter size and every time I order pizza, I treat myself to a Creme or Birch Beer soda. Its style made the old fashion way with sugar so I watch sugar intake. But hey, it's Pizza, you have to have a soda with it!!
That looks like it might be IBC cream soda. I'm partial to IBC root beer but I haven't been able to find it for the last few months. I guess the pandemic has affected production. I'm so over this! This process is a keeper.
Thanks!
You bet!
Muy buena enseñanza! Gracias por compartirlo! Germán, Montevideo, Uruguay.
Ah so simple. Perfect timing. I’m just about to do the draw fronts on my first cabinet and I was suffering from a bit of option paralysis. Just decided I’m using this method.
option paralysis!!!! building and installing drawers/drawer fronts have made me cry.
Marc, I just found this. It’s a great explanation of something I need to do soon. Thanks.
Such a simple process that makes life so much easier. Thanks for sharing Marc. 👍
OMG...cream soda w/ Pizza. I grew up in Ohio, but my parents were from NY. My dad introduced me to cream soda. It was red. Then, when we were in NY, he bought me a Dr. Browns. It was ginger colored, and SO MUCH BETTER than the red I had started with. I still love a good Dr. Browns cream soda as a treat! BTW...great tips on the drawer fronts.
The red stuff is what I grew up on too. The best!
Thank you so much! That's such a brilliantly easy method
Great video. I have 15 drawers without front because i'm worried about messing it up. I'll try my best to follow your advice!
Fastcap speed tape. A couple Pieces on drawer fronts. Shim, stick and drill hardware holes. Easy peasy. Cab shop we did lots of it
Good and nice and mostly professional job my friend 👍👍👍
Thanks for sharing, I’m just getting ready to install some fronts this week!!
Tomato Pie! Grew up in Trenton, NJ where everywhere had Tomato Pie. Never even ever heard the word "pizza". BTW, love the work you do and the detail into which you go for each project.
Trenton born and raised. 😄
That was awesome! Thank you.
Excellent explanation and a great trick! Definitely will make use of it on my next cabinet built project once its just a few degrees warmer.
OMG! I love craft soda like other folks like craft beer. All this talk of amber or red cream soda, birch beer, and root beer is making me thirsty. Being a transplant from Ohio to the South, I can tell you I miss them as well as Vernor’s. These stores here don’t know jack about any of those. It’s sad really. Anyway, great video and quick lesson on drawer fronts. Thank!
Thank you, this was incredibly helpful.
well played sir, well played....If I only knew this tip years ago...thx
Sigh drawers the vane of my wood working learning curve
Good stuff Mark... I'm wondering what part of Jersey? I was up by Wayne NJ about 30 years ago now I'm down in Red Bank.
Born and raised in Trenton. Left after college when I was in my early 20's. Still have family in Hamilton and Bordentown.
@@woodwhisperer Neat, I'm in Freehold. The only reason I go to Trenton anymore is to visit Willard Brothers hardwoods :)
@@woodwhisperer DeLorenzo's?
Used to be called Red Bank. Now called Snow Bank.
@@woodwhisperer My sister and nieces are in Bordentown/Hamilton. Nice place. I was raised in South Brunswick
Saved the day! Thanks so much!
Fantastic tips, dude! Thanks a lot! 😊
Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
You are a life saver man
Thanks for sharing. I see you got you drill press fence. I haven't heard when I will get mine. Hope it's soon. Thanks for sharing.
I'm lucky to live near Andy. :)
@@woodwhisperer It should be soon. Can't wait to play with it. Thanks again for sharing.
I’ve used double stick tape or hot glue to hold the draw front on long enough to shoot some screws in.
I think it's protocol if anything is labeled R2 you have to add D2 to it. Great work.
I would love to build that cabinet or work bench. Do you have plans for this one you doing the doors on. I see under your miter saw you are using a Festool collection vac is that enough for the dust the miter saw makes. Thank You, Tom
Very useful video, thanks!
1:03 now locate and drill the holes for the hardware. I’m struggling to find the exact location of the hardware holes. Any tricks?
This is exactly how I install drawer fronts when I'm using hardware! Never seen anyone else do it this way.
Great video, i started with woodworking channel too. do you have any advice for me?
Perfect, exactly what i needed
Succinct, easy to google. Perfect video for when you need a refresher after I ruin a drawer front!
Great tips! Thanks, Marc!
Good thing I waited before touching my drawer fronts. Finishing the carcass soon.
This is a fantastic way to put fronts on as the spacing is the hardest part . I think I would put some glue between the drawer front and the drawer box . To me this would seem to really make sure that front wouldn’t come loose especially on bigger drawers . Can anyone think of a downside to glueing them together ?
Jersey in the house!!!
Thanks for the tip, Spags! not sure if you go by Spags or not, but I felt like giving it a whirl.
Looks easy, let's try it
great advice, thank you for sharing
Great tip Marc
Thanks for answering my question… before I even ask it ;-)
Great stuff! Thanks for sharing this video!
What a cracking tip Thank you
Thanks for sharing that!
Thanks for watching!
Great job, thanks for your videos
Thanks for watching!
In the video, you say to leave the drawer fronts a little oversized, but then you didn't come back to that. Is that so if there is any misalignment you can shave them down so they line up?
Same question here! 0:42 is where he mentions it. I'd like to know as well.
Should the screws we use to temporarily attach the false drawer front be the same size as the machine screw that will attach the knobs? More or less screw size #8?
on site install for joiners unfortunately can't do it this way as nice as it is. A pack of playing cards is ideal as spacers or some window packers in your tool box of different sizes and a couple of deep clamps/quick clamps to hold the drawer front onto your drawer once you space it evenly with your packers, drill a couple of screws in from behind and your drawer front attached working from the bottom up one at a time. then you can line up you handle holes with a combo square, template tool or preferred method, pre drill and insert you snap screws and job done. Certainly more the UK on site method for kitchens, wardrobes etc. only means you have an extra couple of screws inside the drawer but a lot faster and easier than this method, but also a neccisity when you cant lift a kitchen island up and down or a fitted wardrobe carcass out of position just to fit handles.
Are you making a video on that cabinet with inset drawers?
Thanks for the video.
I like those drawer pulls. What is the source?
Is that a keyless chuck I saw on your drill press? I didn’t see it on your Amazon site so can you tell me which brand it is and where I might find it? Thanks
Wow! This is how my dad and I used to install drawer fronts well over a decade ago. I didn't think anyone else did it this way.
Things we did differently were glue the fronts and pre drill the holes on the back side before the fronts were put on.
This is cool to see someone else using the hardware holes like we did!
The main reason we did it this way is the jig we used to drill the hardware holes couldn't be used once the drawer fronts were installed, so it only made sense to drill the holes before installing the fronts. Now, over a decade later, alignment jigs are much more common and cheap.
Maybe a stupid question, but how do you keep them from going to far back in the cabinet?
What if we don’t have the handle holes, like if we have to use pull open instead of handles then how can we hold the fronts??
PURE GENIUS!!
Very clever!
Super review !
Thanks for the tips and all your great videos. What kind of drill bit is that you’re drilling the hardware holes with, black collar, green ring. Thanks again!
Looks like a Festool bit
Great video! I have been doing this for years. I thought it was common sense lol
It's only common sense after you learn it. :)
excellent video!! may I ask you what gaps do you use for below, between the drawers and to each side? thanks in advance
Makes it all less intimidating. My miter station has been sitting for a very long time without drawer fronts but now I think I’ll finish them.
Great method! Do you have a link or a model number for those pulls?
Interesting. Have you ever had an issue with the drawer pulls being off center from each other? I guess that would only be an issue if the frame was out of square. I’ve always found center line after installing the fronts, then drill the holes for the pulls.
As you mentioned, that would only be a problem if something is off in the cabinet itself. If the drawers are all aligned with the shims in place, it should be safe to drill for the hardware consistently on each front and have them all lined up perfectly in the finished product.
That's a good method. It's the one in Danny Proulx's books.
What do you when you have something like shaker door fronts? My main concern is getting the fit perfect, trimming it down after they are built sounds like it could cause some issues
In that case you'd want to be a lot more careful about measuring your drawers BEFORE you build them. So you'll be doing some math or cutting some scraps and standins. Then build the doors to exact size so they only require minimal work to fit perfectly into the opening.
Laying the box on it’s back is a great idea. I wish I’d thought of that last week when I was making that dresser!
Esta genial amigo es otro boleto saludos
What is the brand of the drill press fence you use?
This is pretty cool. What's the next best way, if you are not using any hardware for handles? Let's say you mill out a pocket in the middle of the drawer front. Then what? Part 2? Pls
The other ideas I mentioned at the beginning. Clamps, adhesive or Brad nails.
This only works when you use handles or knobs. What if you want you have it with a push to open system. You can’t drill in the front. Glue?
One of the methods I mentioned at the beginning: glue, tape, or brads.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately upset at how the rails were very noticeably bent. But I kept going, all tools needed to assemble were included ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxqtX4Dxs6aecAZEuz6GY5-d81YecKCshn and I had it set up in about 30 minutes. Honestly I love this thing, make sure to read the measurements and measure your space so you know if it'll work for you. I bought this to put inside my closet, underneath where I hang my clothes and it is absolutely perfect! It is VERY sturdy and all drawers glide easily and mine are stuffed, and they are still flush when closed.
I have seen you use this trick and heard others credit you for it. Thanks for the full version. I really would like your opinion on jointer/planer cutter heads. I realize the helical ones are the best choice my question is are their significant differences between Byrd, Luxcut, and vendor brands such as Grizzly?
I am not totally sure. I am sure there are specific differences but I have used Shelix and also some proprietary versions and never thought one was significantly better than the other.
@@woodwhisperer thank you for the quick reply. I am about to equip my dream shop(recent retiree) the brand jointer and planer have their own versions. I have been trying to determine if replacing a new head would be worth the cost and effort. They wont install the name brand heads from the factory.
About the shims. Are you fan of commercial/pre-made shims in standard sizes like 1/16 and 1/8 or do you just make your own?
I just make my own on an as-needed basis, but should really wise up and save them, lol.
Great job, congratulations. I follow you, keep it up. SL
Color-coded brad points? Link?
Good tip, but have you tried hot glue? I always just hot glue the fronts in place till I can get some screws through the back.
I haven't tried hot glue but I have used double sided tape and brad nails, which would be similar in concept. I find this way quite a bit easier and more reliable.