How to Make Easy Workshop Drawers from 1 Sheet of Plywood with Basic Tools - Free Cutting List

[@skykell3940]

Thank you for having a building video using just...... basic tools . Some channels are just showing off new tools

[@dugldoo]

Nice design. I built two. The entire underside of the bottom drawer slides against the bottom of the cabinet box. To make it slide as easily as the other drawers cut out most of the bottom of the cabinet box with a jigsaw, leaving the sides and an inch across the front and back for structural integrity. You can even sand down the front bottom cross piece so there's a little space between it and the bottom drawer.

[@grzejnikMilosz]

I love how you focus really on material spending. Very rare to see to be honestly done on other channels with similar projects

[@RectanerTreadway]

I really appreciate the minimalist approach. So many instances when starting out as a builder require simple structures and forms just to get things organized. Please continue making videos for basic builds like this for shop organization!

[@SteveCohenPhilly]

Great video. I have started wood working about a year ago. In short order, I came to the conclusion, learn to work with the tools you have. Which at times can be challenging when figuring out how to get the same results (or acceptable results) using a limited amount of tools when following a long with a youtube video. This is a great design, especially for someone with my selection of tools and my skill set. Thank you very much!

[@garulusglandarius6126]

Your channel is so inspiring Stuart, I’ve watched every one and you never disappoint. I’ve used many of your methods and they’ve never failed, I love that you explain not only how but why. You’re both educational and fun. Your engineering background and understanding of is very evident , why you don’t have at least a million subscribers is beyond me, there is no better channel on KZbin. Thank you Stuart 👍

[@ProperDIY]

Well thank you very much. I try to make things interesting and I know if I find something difficult or funny there is a good chance others do as well - much appreciated.

[@GoofyWelshGit]

And, might sound daft but thanks for wearing the PPE, I watch through vids like this with my kids before tackling something and it grips me when folk don't.

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Nice set of drawers Stuart, and thanks so much for the shout! Looking forwards to seeing you next weekend at Makers Central, stand B 08. 👍👍

[@ProperDIY]

No problem- looking forward to it.

[@ericpascual8913]

Nice video, thanks for sharing. I've always been told to never wear gloves when using power tools (saw, router, planer,...) because if the tool ever catches some part of the glove, it will drag and eat your fingers or hand faster than your reaction time to move away from the danger. I agree that there are very few chances for this to happen with such a portable circular saw... but better stay on the safe side.

[@AWBuilder]

Agreed and he has no eye protection from any flying debris.

[@whomadethatsaltysoup]

Excellent build! And all from one sheet of half inch ply. The drawer runner idea is very good, and well implemented. I made internal drawers for a kitchen cabinet a good few years ago, but made the runners exactly to fit the three-quarter ply. Occasionally, I have to rub a candle on them to keep the action relatively smooth. Leaving a little wiggle room would have been better, although, as you stated, not too much. This, not only for aesthetics, but function, especially if they will house heavy items. Thanks for sharing.

[@SharonHendricks-x8f]

Oh my goodness, I just discovered your channel and I really enjoy your easy going and no whacky nonsense style. Thank you and now I must peruse your videos..

[@محمودالقرالهوعائلته]

Big like You make things easier So a normal person can do this Thank you

[@basher875]

Thanks for making a video without a table saw or router I know not everyone has a big truck like yours but hardware stores can deliver I look forward to making one of these in future Love the runners what a great idea

[@vashon100]

15:19 That's great to include the cutting list. I was looking for it in the description before viewing the vid, so just a suggestion to mention in description that cutting list is shown in vid.

[@vociferonheraldofthewinter2284]

I love this design for shop cabinets. Not just that it saves money on hardware, but that I can take a drawer out and walk off with it to my work table. I can really see this being extremely handy. It wouldn't take much to 'fancy' it up. Adding a drawer face would cover the gaps and make it all line up nice. And now I'm thinking about my inside cabinets. The ones that are butted up to other cabinets on the side could probably use the side screws. Cover the end cabinet with a decorative panel and boom. Nice kitchen cabinets. You'd never see the screws and they'd be stronger. This makes too much sense.

[@jayceecee1]

Brilliant. Simple and hardly any waste. As a fellow brit I love that. I have just seen a video of someone making a dowel from a square rod using a modified nut. You could use your tiny offcut for dowels. Save a few woodscrews 😁

[@danmoreton1788]

Nice carpentry skills.I especially like the way you created the perfect drawer slide. I will use this knowledge in my next build. Thank you!!

[@jaimegutierrez5125]

Great Job and idea. 12mm plywood is lighter and if you design it well can be very strong, as you showed us. Thanks for sharing your plans. Greetings from Chile.

[@revbobuk]

Looks great. And very sturdy. My only doubting thought is - so even empty, it weighs the same as a full sheet of 12mm ply. That's quite heavy! Put castors on it - it would make a handy seat!

[@ProperDIY]

True - but not as much as all other channels making everything out of 18mm ply!

[@kingsboy48]

To save some weight I am cutting out a square from the back piece, leaving 65mm of plywood around the edge like a picture frame, Instead of making a top piece I am making two of these cabinets but with one piece of plywood spanning the top, making somewhat similar to a pedestal desk. The top will become a workbench at about 940mm from the floor.

[@briangalyer857]

Can you re check the cutting list ? There is one item that doesnt agree with the video - you say cut a strip 400 mm wide, but that doesnt fit with the parts list.

[@dangoesfast]

I know your comment is six months old, posting this for anyone else who comes along. I think the reference to 400 in the video is the error, the strip for the outer box is 450mm on the cut diagram

[@boyscott7193]

Excellent. Designing for simplicity is an art in itself and your projects are so well thought through. Thanks!

[@Tazck-w4n]

I'm now insulating my garage in order to make a correct workshop, and look everywhere some ideas for storage. Yours is very clever and will inspire me a lot 😊

[@Shaun30-3]

All that from 1 sheet of ply, WOW! I'm blown back.Once again a brill video , I do have a space under one of my work benches. That will definitely fill the gap , nice one Stuart, keep up the good work.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you!

[@MrManAmong]

Very cool and simple. Only thing I would change is I would cut out the “handle” areas before assembly to make it an even simpler build and I would also put a stop in so the drawers don’t pull out or fall out easily. Tools are heavy and that drawer could get away from you quick if it’s full and gets pulled out too much. I’m for sure gonna steal this design and add my own little tweaks.

[@bokononisti2820]

Love the efficient use of materials and the minimalist approach - most of us don't need super fancy workshop drawers that most youtubers love showing off, we just need functional ones! Thanks. You earned a subscriber with this approach.

[@brucemoller7012]

And another one. Thanks

[@Rayzzia]

Awesome book that gives you step-by-step photos kzbin.infoUgkxTNB_zFBSnTo_O1PqfVUwgi7ityw0JlKt and directions to make every day project. I can see myself making a few of these projects and giving them as housewarming and holiday gifts!

[@_wormlet]

Stop spamming other people's videos, you ghoul. Bot reported.

[@jasonandersen5975]

That is a sleazy scam. Free or stolen plans off the internet.

[@Jonacarpenter]

Great job!!! Love that you really put a good 95% of that sheet to use, and I'm sure given a nice cup of tea, a good pint or a coffee, and a bit of time you could come up with something to do with about 95% of the scrap/off cuts by the time you were done with the first one and build it by the end of the 3rd. Just a guestimation, Mate!! Cheerio my fellow Carpenter 🍺

[@malcolmfarley1958]

Great video as always, I just like to point out that the Dewalt 391 does have a dust port, it's not in the best place granted but its there,

[@jamesmarris4291]

Kia ora. Sometimes the KZbin algorithm suggests not what you want but what you need, perfect thank you. Will have a crack at this over our Kings Birthday weekend here in NZ. Thanks for the cut list and love your jig hack for your track saw. Interesting you put the price of your ply; thought we were expensive here in NZ. We pay about NZ$55 (£27.00) for sheet of 12mm non structural, although our sheets are 1200mm not 1220mm. Nga mihi nui, James

[@kingsboy48]

here in Canada our sheets are $42 (tax inc) - about £26 🙂 and we have 'proper' size sheets as we are heavily influenced by our cousins to the south who still work in feet and inches.

[@GoofyWelshGit]

Less than 2 mins in and I was reminded of a tip that could have saved me some messing around had I used it. Tiny test cut and measure is 👌

[@ruaraidhmcdonald-walker9524]

Ooh cracking. This looks easy enough for me. I have some old drawers and was just going to weld up some angle to make a frame to hold them. I never consider wood as that’s the Mrs’ domain!! Will give this a go. Great video as ever Stuart!

[@johnh9449]

Very nice. Looks similar to something smaller I bought from Ikea years ago where all the drawers sat on top of each other with no runners which works. I can see with something bigger runners become more important to stop the drawers going a bit sideways and jamming - not so critical if you can easily wiggle them. Your gaps do look a little big allowing the drawer to tilt on extension. You could glue in some thin wood or plastic strips to reduce and minimise the gap, limit the tilt and plastic would help reduce friction. With wood on wood it really helps to smooth the corners, edges and faces with fine sandpaper then the magic trick: Get yourself a cheap ordinary paraffin wax candle and using it as a wax crayon, scribble all over the runner edges and channels. The wax being clear is invisible but provides excellent and lasting lubrication. I did that to another stack of drawers I got years ago from Ikea with wood on wood runners and they are still the smoothest ever drawers to use. If painting I can't recommend more highly an acrylic varnish. You may need a few thin coats but the finish is excellent and hard wearing.

[@vale4805]

First time comment, as someone who live in Europe, this tools are pretty expensive(high end)..also I love your videos, they are really well made and I got feeling I can do it by myself just watching you.

[@donkey1007]

Excellent Stuart. Cheaper than some of the systems you can by from the shops and then have too assembled anyway. Plus the satisfaction of standing back and saying " I made that ". 😁

[@lesthiele4921]

Hi Stewart, that was a excellent little build, all your ideas are able to be made by the averags home handy person, best regards from a Kiwi living in Australia 👍👍👍👍

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you again! - I try!

[@ShiningDarknes]

I like to take the inevitable finger-width cutoffs, trim them to a reasonable length, put a 30-45 degree bevel down the length or if you want to be fancy use a router bit of your preferred profile and you have a drawer-pull if you need all the space in the drawer and can't be putting holes in the front.

[@bluecurlygirl]

Great job Stuart and so many possibilities. As I watch I'm thinking of a little cabinet in the hallway with four drawers - one for each of the humans and one for the two kitties - and a little press with shelves attached. It'd hold all our shoes, slippers and hats and scarves and the kittens leads and little toys. Thanks for this. Good luck at Makers.

[@ProperDIY]

Go for it - I do like it when people modify my projects to suit there needs - thanks

[@thetessellater9163]

That's a two sheeter, surely ?

[@wood4me]

At 8:20 why fluff around trying to get the vertical board lined up with the horizontal board using fingers! Why not use a small bit of flat wood to align the two pieces of timber. Cheers.

[@helenarusso]

Hello how are you doing, nice to meet you here.

[@herbhayden1447]

Great video. Love the simplicity. I intend to make, but couldn't find the cutting list.

[@peterwest7855]

What are the overall outside dimensions of the drawer cabinet please? I am having real trouble working out how all the dimensions fit together particularly the drawer fronts and sides.

[@KendalSmithy]

Brilliantly devised and very strong. I think I would want some runners of some sort under the bottom drawer, and if the runner gaps were slightly shallower it would need something to take up that space. I'd also just screw some knobs or handles on the drawers rather than cutting out those hand recesses.

[@ProperDIY]

Yes you can add some more to it if you want to spend the money

[@xorsyst1]

Excellent video. I recently made myself a hidden jigsaw table with a drawer using a single sheet of ply, it's so satisfying. I should have made a video 😀

[@1gabhriel]

Brilliant liked the fact that you did not use loads of power tools.

[@pemj7360]

Came by your channel purely by accident. . Not quite Norm but love what you did . Especially for those who want to build something very simple but very functional and with limited resources. Keep up the great work 👍 and it's given me a a great idea . All the best 👍

[@Sean-vh8pm]

Norm had every tool under the sun, so this is within reach of the rest of us.

[@ericl6460]

This is some old-school proper diy content! Almost expected you to take out a hand drill and saw again

[@Janus-fn2uz]

Fyi. An 'old school' has nowt to do with this. Now if you mean 'Traditional' then say so and cut out the misleading American pap!

[@Janus-fn2uz]

Don't waste your time on this time taking costly item. Ikea sell these already set up in two drawer units.

[@ericl6460]

@@Janus-fn2uz "old school" in this situation means it's similar to his earlier videos

[@ericl6460]

@@Janus-fn2uz yeah, but what is the fun doing that?

[@birdslikestickyspoon]

Just discovered your channel - love your vids! You explain things so clearly, lots of great tips

[@markhines9234]

That is a very easy way for drawers runners. Brilliant

[@lymanreed3812]

That is a nice practical project. You did a great job keeping it as simple as possible and still good quality. Well done!

[@JackyTran]

This is great! I’m going to make a few of these for my workshop!

[@SweSuf]

One suggestion, something I have done occasionally: Add iron-on edge banding to the edge underside of the drawers, that will drastically reduce friction and wear.

[@PaulIreland1972]

My dad made something similar back in the late 70s (when I was a wee nipper) and rubbed a candle along edges for the same reason.

[@pemj7360]

​@Paul Ireland candle wax every handyman should have in his tool box .

[@brucemoller7012]

Thanks for that. Simple and totally Usefull anywhere. Like in my shed.

[@espensund2878]

Just love it when there is zero waste (or equal) of material! Great channel, I subscribed now👍🏻

[@richardphillips3303]

Great example of how to make the most of a sheet of ply 😊. Even if I tried, little chance of the accuracy which is required unfortunately 😕. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@rich8037]

You say that, but you just need to get some practice in. Buy a half-decent circular saw, get a bunch of sheet offcuts (any old sheet timber material) from your local timber yard, draw some random straight lines on them for target practice and have some fun getting it wrong before you get it right. We were all clueless once!

[@davidwhite5972]

have you tried using melamime edging strip on the runners and underside of drawers. Brilliant! Drawers slid easily and wear is reduced.

[@a9ball1]

Great video. The cost of drawer slides are outrageous. I was planning a 36 drawer wall unit and just the drawer slides cost $1,000. I've built a couple units similar to yours years ago and they are still working fine.

[@maryhampton-p4x]

I will give this a try when i get home I really enjoyed this project

[@henryrossouw930]

Very neat and simple,yet very strong construction.

[@tonyb83]

I suggest you put candel wax on the draw runners mainly to reduce wear and to improve sliding.

[@stevestogsdill5791]

This is great! I 've been trying to figure out how to do something similar for holding camping equipment.

[@brianhewitt8897]

You expertly made the box and drawers without using a square. If I tried that it would never fit right. Well done. Then, you did actually use a square when drawing out the cardboard template 😁

[@BobMuir100]

Y’know off all the woodworking channels I watch more of your work is on either ToDo list orDone list. Thanks Bob England Ps I trust you picked up this is one!? I mean I did/do wonder!?

[@darrenwardell3079]

I am so glad i have stumbled on your amazing channel. 👍👍

[@jodalry]

Many thanks for this inspiring video. I was thinking rather than jigsawing those cutouts for opening the drawers, you could have used some of the off cuts to make simple drawer handles for that purpose? Anyway, thanks again. Will definitely be making a set or two of these. 👍🏻😎

[@wayneblackburn9645]

If you're going to be handling more sheet goods the handles you can buy to grip a board along the top edge do make moving them a lot easier. I was moving 18mm OSB boards last year and would have struggled to move them on my own without one.

[@derrickknight4985]

Wouldn’t say that the measurements on your plans are wrong…. But.. how can the back be the same height as the sides if it fits inside. Shouldn’t it be be less 24mm if you use 12mm ply. Also if the top and bottom is 400mm wide then the back should be as well? Or am I completely getting it wrong, as I’ve just cut up two sheets of ply per your measurements but can’t work it out.. 🤔

[@_wormlet]

I think the 475 measurement for the back is 25mm less than the 500 height of the sides, to allow for 24mm +1mm to fit in. If you pause at 11:45 you can see how the back is 25mm (12 on top and 12 on bottom +1) smaller than the sides but it's the same width as the top and bottom. I think you are mixed up between height and width whereas the cutting list is just a plan to cut all pieces from one sheet with minimum waste as opposed to a strict plan for orientation. Sorry if I'm not great at explaining.

[@derrickknight4985]

@@_wormlet No. I’m not mixed up as I’ve made a couple using the plan and there is an error.

[@_wormlet]

@@derrickknight4985 Well you asked "how can the back be the same height as the sides if it fits inside." But the back is not the same height as the sides. The back is 475mm height and the sides are 500mm height. You can see clearly at 11:56.

[@derrickknight4985]

@@_wormlet Yeah. I said I have made them!! 🤪

[@_wormlet]

@@derrickknight4985 What is the specific error? How did you counteract it?

[@lxoxrxexnx]

You have beech veneer plywood! I’ve never seen that. I’m envious.

[@apkelly01]

Thanks for that. I need to make a 3 drawer unit for my microcamper. Anything I've bought has😮 just been too tall, too wide, just right but made of plastic and broke on me. I've just picked up 2 sheets of 12mm offcuts from 800mm x 1300mm for €8 each...a steal. I'll you know how I got on...😊

[@leblancexplores]

Is the dado’d drawer slide better than this? Should I extend the base and just use that for the handle and keep everything “fully” enclosed/clean? Can we add a notch and cleat on the front to make it lock closed?

[@andyc972]

Another excellent, accessible project Stuart, simple and effective, all you need now is a little KB wax finish on the runners ! I guess you could have made the drawer fronts as wide as the base and taken 12mm off the runners to give a flush front finish if that was preferable ? I look forward to your track-saw journey, I will be interested to see which you choose, again Peter has a whole host of useful content on that subject !

[@peterbonifacio3288]

Very good and simple project to build. Congratulations!

[@johnazrael9706]

love your works sir! new subscriber here from the Philippines

[@igotnoluck]

this looks amazing, as always - it is a pleasure to watch your videos. Learned a lot

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you very much!

[@gezmonder]

I think I'm going to make a larger version of this for garage storage. Have those large plastic drawers at the moment but they keep smashing under the weight of old bits of left overs from previous DIY projects which I raid from time to time.

[@marlinstudio.]

I would recommend the 54v Dewalt plunge saw (DEWALT DCS520). I have one it is ace. However the Festool tracks are far superior and well worth the upgrade, again added to my tool arsenal. NB. the Dewalt DCS576 runs on only dewalt rails (won't fit the festool). Nor does this model have a plunge facility.

[@joedance14]

Nice little cabinet for nails & screws! I’ve been thinking about something along these lines and this looks perfect! Question: how do you screw or nail into the edge of such thin 12mm) plywood? What size screws do you use?

[@Paul-gj9tx]

I’m planning to use this method to build 2 single drawers, each measuring 400mm (w) x 200mm (h) x 1300mm (d). These drawers will be mounted on the floor of my van as storage for plumbing parts so it may hold a heavy load. The drawers will also be the base for a raised floor. I plan on using 18mm ply for the frame. My question is do you believe that 12mm for the drawers will be strong enough, or do you think 18mm ply would be a better option? Advice is appreciated.

[@b3arwithm3]

Good looking unit. Seeing its small size, i wouldn't guess it needed a full sheet.

[@gan314159]

If looking to wall mount, a thicker back panel could be routed/cut to include a French cleat?

[@vibezmandj9857]

Brilliant video, thank you very much, this will be a great project for me. I went and purchased the circular saw to add to my tools, as I am a newbie. Please could you tell me how you made that fence/guard for the saw, is the video or measurement for that? or at least the concept behind the height and width from the teeth

[@martinwehipeihana2605]

And made with tools that I've got 👏 definitely going to try these, thanks for this 👍

[@henryskinner1092]

This is the simplest, and I like it. Good job.

[@ThePigeonmilk]

Come for the woodworking, stay for the banger

[@johnr9896]

Would it have been better to cut out the drawer handles before assembling the drawer ?

[@ChrisFredriksson]

Stuart, why are you making such great videos? Always fun to watch! ❤

[@ProperDIY]

Very kind of you Chris.

[@walshMI]

Great idea. Going to try out the project, I need some drawers in the garage/shop. What size/type screws do you recommend for fastening the plywood box and drawers? Thx!

[@GoOnGiveItAGo]

Love your videos, I would love to know how you got into KZbin and your advice on how you film, record and edit your videos, I’m starting a house project soon and would love to try and start my own channel. Dan.

[@brianrossmiller8664]

This is a cool idea/design. Being that I'm horrid at math, any idea how this would scale for 20mm plywood?

[@ivanalfonsocorderogutierre7498]

Simple, awesome and stunning, thanks!🎉

[@W4TRI_Ronny]

Can you clarify? Hight of the sides and such? 460? Thanks!

[@ProperDIY]

It is 500mm outside dimension actually

[@W4TRI_Ronny]

@@ProperDIY 500 wide but what height? What are the dimensions of the 4 parts below it? I tried I just can't be sure on your writing. Sorry.

[@firoznanji1771]

Very Nice. I need to make some, will follow this Video. Thank You

[@justintemp]

If you don't have a circular saw will a jig saw work as well?

[@rich8037]

If you want straight cuts with a jig saw, you definitely need to put a jig in place to keep it on the line. I mean, I did once know a guy who could cut sheet material with a handheld jig saw, with the sheet sloping from his knees down to the floor too, and get a perfectly straight line, but he was just a freak!

[@justintemp]

@@rich8037 wow, without cutting himself with sharp shards?

[@rich8037]

@@justintemp I've never seen shards coming off wood that present a threat to any part of the body except eyes, and as it goes jigsaws are particularly unthreatening in that respect. Not that they are without their own particular dangers...

[@justintemp]

@@rich8037 apologies, I misunderstood. I read sheet and thought of metal sheets 🙈

[@alexchong213]

How did you get everything so square and precise? from a novice DIY

[@charlesbattle4380]

Great project!! Can you provide the cut list...please?? Thanks

[@mrJanniekoen]

Cool. Quick, easy, and sturdy. Thanks for the video

[@johngriffitths]

Like what you do however when using a saw air nailer would recomend advising the use of safety glasses

[@awantamta]

Absolutely brilliant and just what I needed.

[@ProperDIY]

Nice one!

[@josefranciscorojasluna3757]

Thank you, a brilliant job, very well explained and presented.

[@MoranGuyVideos]

Does circular saw with a this jig is accurate to a mm ? Or you had to do some sanding etc.

[@jamesfitzpatrick9869]

Hi i brought three sents of the draws you show from bq years ago they are still going strong cheers scobe ?

[@devil262786]

You need an insulation 4 x 8 foam you can use it as the sacrificial underneath your plywood so you don’t have to cut without any support.

[@kingsboy48]

He did not cut through his packing, the cut (for example) might have been 400mm from the board edge but his packing may have been 300mm wide and more packing was on the other side of the cut line. I thought similar to you at first but then realized he left a clear cut channel.