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  1. 7th June 2020, 09:38 PM #1
    gopies
    gopies is offline Novice
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    Default [WIP] Desk drawers am I heading for disaster?!

    The lockdown has given me a chance to over engineer a desk I've been wanting to build for awhile (and try a few new techniques).

    I have a standing desk frame that I am trying to hide within the drawers when the desktop is lowered. Simultaneously, I am trying to maximise drawer space. To add a little complexity the left hand side of the desk will be static, sitting on top of drawers (eventually with a book case above).

    The basic concept is to make a 'b' shaped drawer that is is attach to the runner all the way down the left side (600mm) and attached to the right drawer slide only up to the standing desk frame giving about 280mm support (support being connected to the runner).

    I am concerned that that the drawer will sag on back right hand corner (attached is pre-joined drawer design).

    I'm using 16mm ply and currently planning on using dominos for joinery (although this could change, so far on this project I've use: 1/2 lap, butt joints glue and screw, dominos and pocket screws and I've only built one other set of drawers & started to glue up the desk top).

    Any thoughts or advice?

    Cheers,
    Leigh
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  3. 8th June 2020, 09:32 AM #2
    John Samuel
    John Samuel is offline ... and this too shall pass away ...
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    An interesting project.

    Have you considered installing a rear drawer divider and then connecting the front and rear dividers with a drawer runner that sits under the narrow part of the drawer? You could leave a tiny gap between the drawer and the runner, so any sag at all would lead to contact.

    When I was a boy I watched an old bloke renovate an old chest of drawers. He glued smooth Laminex on top of the drawer runners and on the bottom of the sides of the drawers. He then applied a little hard soap to the runners. They slid as smooth as silk.

    Good luck!
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  4. 8th June 2020, 09:54 AM #3
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    Fuzzie
    Fuzzie is offline Franklin Ferrier
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    I think I would make the short side on the right full length so the weight of the drawer will be fully supported along the length of the runner. With a solid bottom to the rest of the box the weight distribution shouldn't be noticeable different to a complete drawer compared to attaching only to the front half of the runner.
    Franklin
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  5. 8th June 2020, 01:20 PM #4
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    GraemeCook
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    Leigh

    I agree with Franklin and would make the right hand side of the drawer full length, so that twisting/bending forces are taken up by the woodwork and not just by the metal runner.

    Sag should not be an issue as desk drawers rarely have heavy loads.

    I made a drawer shaped like that in my kitchen cabinets that wraps around the sink and plumbing. Eight years old, Blum runners, HMR melamine - no problems yet.
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  6. 8th June 2020, 02:02 PM #5
    gopies
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    Quote Originally Posted by Fuzzie View Post
    I think I would make the short side on the right full length so the weight of the drawer will be fully supported along the length of the runner. With a solid bottom to the rest of the box the weight distribution shouldn't be noticeable different to a complete drawer compared to attaching only to the front half of the runner.
    That's a good idea, I'll give that a go.
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  7. 11th July 2020, 08:50 PM #6
    gopies
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    Finished (or close enough). Probably wouldn't recommend copying this. It's total overkill and a lot of extra effort.

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  8. 12th July 2020, 04:54 PM #7
    Lappa
    Lappa is offline Woodworking mechanic
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    That’s a great design. Well executed. Came together very nicely!
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