How to Make a Drawer with a Table Saw

Collect the measurements required for the drawer and write them down. Use the measurements to get the total width of the drawer itself, the total depth of the drawer and the height of the drawer frame. In addition, get the total height and width of the drawer front, which is the visible panel when the drawer is closed. The front panel is often taller and wider than the drawer itself to hide the sliding panels.

Draw the required drawer pieces on the plywood with the pencil, ruler and the collected measurements from the previous step. The side panels must measure the depth by the height and the end panel must measure the height by the width, minus an inch to make room for the side panels. The front panel must measure the width and height collected for the front face panel. The drawer bottom must measure the full width by the total depth.

Turn on the table saw to cut the drawer pieces. Put on the goggles prior to cutting to protect your eyes from potential splinters and wood residue. Cut out each of the panels following the pencil lines on the plywood for guidance. Turn off the table saw when done. Sand the sides on each panel with the sandpaper. Avoid sanding excessively, as the sanding will alter the cuts.

Lay the bottom panel down on a flat surface. Place the two side panels on either side of the depth sides in an upright position. Place the back edge panel in between the two sides to create the drawer frame. Use the clamp to keep the entire structure in place. Insert nails through the side panels into the back piece using the hammer. Repeat this nailing procedure by inserting nails through the bottom panel into the side and back pieces to secure the drawer panels.

Line up the front face panel to the drawer structure and attach it using nails and a hammer, so the nails reach into the side panels and the bottom piece. Install the chosen hardware using a screwdriver and the installation screws that come with the hardware.