Clever way to make INDESTRUCTIBLE boxes, cabinets and drawers

[@StumpyNubs]

★TAYLOR TOOLWORKS IS A SMALL FAMILY BUSINESS WORTH SUPPORTING★ They are also supporters of this channel who help keep our videos free. Please support them AND us by *bookmarking and using this link whenever you buy tools:* lddy.no/s80f *-3M Cubitron II Sanding discs: lddy.no/1hyoq* *My AMAZING router table setup:* www.harveywoodworking.com/products/compass-router-table-system *The cool retro combination square I was using:* bridgecitytools.com/products/combination-squares *Please help support us by using the link above for a quick look around!* (If you use one of these affiliate links, we may receive a small commission) *Some other useful links:* -Check out our project plans: stumpynubs.com/product-category/plans/ -Instagram: instagram.com/stumpynubs/ -Twitter: twitter.com/StumpyNubs ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE INEXPENSIVE TOOLS★ - #ISOtunes Hearing Protection (Save 10%): bit.ly/3BHYdH7 -123 Blocks: lddy.no/vpij -Mechanical Pencils: amzn.to/2PA7bwK -Lumber pencil: amzn.to/2QtwZjv -Pocket Measuring Tape: amzn.to/2kNTlI9 -Nut/Bolt/Screw Gauge: amzn.to/2CuvxSK -Self-Centering Bits: amzn.to/2xs71UW -Steel Ruler: lddy.no/10mv7 -Center-Finding Ruler: lddy.no/10nak -Bit & Blade Cleaner: amzn.to/2TfvEOI -Narex Chisels: lddy.no/sqm3 -Mini Pull Saw: amzn.to/2UEHBz6 -Shinwa Rulers: lddy.no/zl13 -BOW Featherboards: amzn.to/430ldhv (If you use one of the affiliate links above, we may receive a small commission)

[@schawn-paulrotella5709]

Stumpy, you introduced Taylor Toolworks to me via your videos. What a great find. I use them all the time. Thanks and I hope you're well!

[@KeithOlson]

...and now I want to see you do a Project Farm-style test on sanding discs. Perhaps putting a 5lb(?) weight on your orbital sander (which is locked in a sliding frame, of course!) and seeing how deep various brands and grits of sandpaper can grind end- & edge-grain soft- & hard-woods in 10 minutes. ...or something else over-the-top like that.

[@BrooksMoses]

I'm not sure if your channel is where I found out about Taylor Toolworks or not, but I've bought several things from them over the years (including Cubitron sanding discs) and been really pleased with their service.

[@trevorweis192]

Not only a great tip and tutorial, but I really appreciate you recognizing that a router may be more accessible than dados for most of your viewers, or at least those for whom this video is most relevant.

[@bartman59laj55]

Good point, I have a sawstop table saw, and it’s a royal pain to switch out the safety system when using a dado blade. This is a much easier way to work

[@f.kieranfinney457]

If you have a split fence router table you don’t even need the sacrificial piece. I love it.

[@fatroberto3012]

On the European side of the pond, saws are made so that dado stacks can't be used, so it's not an option anyway.

[@WillN2Go1]

I'm kind of lazy and my dados got rusty. So for a couple of drawers, I'll just work the grooves with my single blade. I did make dozens of drawers about 25 years ago. I used Baltic birch 1/2? 60 x 60" sheets (that I had to square up because they weren't perpendicular). I sanded them with a pole sander (like for drywall), drilled a small hole in a corner, hung them up and then quickly finished them with Bona floor finish. (two coats light 150grit sand between.) By hanging them I could do both sides at once. Then I cut out all the parts. I finger jointed the corners. Once set up it was just time. (bottoms were also 1/2: bb many of the drawers were 29.5: by 29.5") Then assembly. I think I eased the edges and sanded them before assembly. Then a final sanding in the spots that needed it and finish the edges with Bona. I dado'd the sides and use either hard maple or birch as drawer slides. On the drawers and on the carcasses. Waxed them with bees wax. Not one of them ever had a problem. They're all still good. Baltic birch for drawers is dimensionally stable, doesn't warp. The floor finish is durable, lays flat and goes on faster than spraying using a green fuzzy pad. I've had a lot of mechanical drawer slides go wonky, but never one of these hardwood sliders. Stickley always used wood against wood. I've seen bedroom drawers that are over 100 years old. No significant wear. Just keep them waxed.

[@silverfox8801]

I’m a 51 year old uk carpenter, been watching KZbin for many years. This is by far the best channel on woodworking in my opinion. Keep it up guys 👍

[@d.k.1394]

It's great

[@kaasmeester5903]

It's a great mix of good tool tips, good traditional woodworking skills, and "working smarter not harder". This video fits in the latter category.

[@blaugrana-jw3dd]

I need to say it, I've learned woodworking with youtube videos, your channel is propably top 2 reference when I need details, and it's not n°2

[@ifell3]

And the other?

[@luedy2211]

Same

[@pantasauruswreaks8667]

Ditto

[@Jakes2hot]

Same

[@MrArbitraryNumber]

This channel and King's Fine Woodworking are my must watch channels

[@egbluesuede1220]

I've been watching this channel for almost 8 years before I built my first shop and really dove into woodworking. I doubt I've missed a video since and have found a lot of great small businesses to support at the same time. There is still no other channel on YT like this one. Keep up the great content and thank you for everything I've learned over the years. Even better.....I still have all 10 fingers thanks to the great safety tips.

I never bought a table saw because of his safety tips. I have mixed feelings about that. But I'm chaos. 10 fingers club though.

[@victoryak86]

This guy is one of my favorite woodworking teachers. He’s genuine and sincere, smart and interesting with many original ideas. Even though he promotes certain businesses it’s because he believes in them and their products. I don’t get the self promoting vibe from him that I all too often find on other channels.

[@MrBobisadog]

Reminds me of the old 1/4 x 1/4 x 1/4 table saw set up for joints. You get the groove in drawers though. Nice job!

[@toonybrain]

I was thinking the same;they’re my go-to for all drawers. Now I’ll have to reconsider…

[@forrestgreen9369]

I built nearly all the drawers in my house using this technique. They're very strong and easy to assemble. I don't think I'll ever build them any other way.

[@d.k.1394]

Great

[@mypolitical]

I was going to make the exact same comment. 👍👍

[@brewtalityk]

Rob Cosman has a video where he does dovetails in under 4 minutes. So if you can get yourself to the point where you can do them quick, that's the way to go

[@LaneHelms]

I am a retired cabinet/furniture maker. I thought that I knew all I needed to know, until I saw Stumpy Nubbs videos. Good stuff, very well explained. My only complaint is, “Where was your channel 60 years ago, when I was apprenticing?”

[@MrJohnnyboyrebel]

I really like trying new methods, especially when they are simpler and don't require special tooling. So I went to my shop, dragged out the router table and 1/4" bit. I went back through your video and wrote down the steps. It didn't take much time to crank out a perfect 15" x 17" drawer. It is unusual for me to nail a new method on my first try, but this was way above my expectations. It will be a snap to batch out a bunch of drawers for my next shop cabinet project. Thanks for the great tip and tutorial. You made my day better! Now my dovetail jig will be gather dust...

[@ildefonsogiron4034]

After building my DIY table saw, I decided my next project would be a tool cabinet with seven drawers and two shelves at the bottom. So, I used this same joint in all seven drawers, but I didn't even care them having that little square hole in all corners 😊. It's been more than ten years and they are as strong as ever. Thanks for sharing all your expertise James!

[@davidmerritt1601]

Wow. I am so glad I saw this video before building my new drawers. It's an excellent design! Thanks!

[@9and7]

Another banger Stumpy. Thanks a million on your way to a million!

[@tonyweisse3285]

Great video. Many other methods I've seen require that you make a cut with the stock standing on end which always seems riskier to me. Also, some methods require that stock is exactly 1/2" or 3/4". This avoids both issues.

[@briancota4544]

I'm a weekend warrior and I need to make some simple boxes. I just bought a dado set. Can't wait to try it!! Thank you

[@ToymakersToolbox]

That joint is fantastic. My dad's Gerstner tool chest was assembled with those joints. It's as square and sturdy as the day it was made.

[@woodworkingandepoxy643]

Ive been woodworking for my entire life, and this is the most amazing thing ive ever seen. I love this thank you

[@socketman]

Thanks, I just got my first router table and am currently assembling and setting it up, and this kind of thing is pure gold! I was definitely looking for tips and tricks and new ways to use my new router table.

[@ClaytonsWoodArt]

Enjoy your journey!

[@matthewshannon6946]

Tongue and groove is the way to build. The machining is so simple!!

[@christopherpascale3758]

Thank you. Thank you for being diverse in your videos. I love that you do cool tools, but also do tips and tricks, and safety videos. I've learned quite a bit from you.

[@elainemurphy8793]

Excellent tutorial! Also…your workshop is incredibly organized. I like your teaching style as well. Thanks!

[@handlesarestupid1234]

Glad to see you put drawer faces on your cabinets behind you. looks great.

[@GenoLoma]

Great video James, cheers. If you could have a diagram of the dimensions for us to freeze frame in videos like these, that would be ultimate 👍

[@briankrueger1142]

I just made my first test box with 1/2 plywood, and I can say I will be building new vanity drawers using this method. Thanks Stumpy!

[@richardlug6139]

When I decided to get into wood working for a hobby, late in life I looked at what my grandpa did with our kitchen cabinets since I knew he made them for my mother. I was curious how he did just what you showed in this video with the drawers he made my guess is that he did something like you showed only with a table saw. He made a lot of fine pieces with only a cheap craftsman TS.. I tell that to myself when I think I should upgrade from my job site TS which is still better than what he used. That what I have is good enough and do not need a better saw I just need to get better at my technique.

[@toonybrain]

Agree. When I first started woodworking I chased the next great tool. Now I realize that a skilled craftman, a master, could use the simplest stuff to produce a masterpiece. I watch videos of people in the poorest places in the world, no shoes, using self-made, cannabalized, inventive power tools with which they turn out woodworking marvels. I’m working on being that person: more excellence and refinement, less shop “bling.”

[@UnclePossum]

Great video and a neat technique for box building… i’d love to see the same procedure demonstrated with a dado set!

[@wallacegrommet9343]

S Nubs consistently provides the best short format carpentry and finish carpentry videos.

[@vkaPAUL]

I have always concepted the build in my head from start to finish and struggled with how to hide that Dado groove on the side without a complex process,,, you just showed me it's the type of joint i'm using that is the answer and not straight forward box joints. Thank you!!

[@watermain48]

Thanks James. I'll try this after I watch the video a couple more times. It takes a while for lessons to sink in to this old brain.

[@d.k.1394]

Lol

[@pliskenmovie]

I made some hand-written notes with pictures. Writing makes it "stick better" than just watching.

[@grumpybastard5744]

Me too. My next project includes drawers, so this is timely.

[@genem2768]

Great tutorial once again. A little tip for getting the groove for the bottom in the right place. When you put the box together for a test fit, make a light pencil line along the inside bottom approximately where the groove will go as a reference for after you take it apart.

[@bjoernwuest7483]

I love this way to build my drawers. If you do not extend the groove until the very top, it will even looks like the box is magically fitting together. Of course, then you have to spend more time, but the results are very nice. From the side, you have a clean surface, from the top, it looks like you magically put things together, still it adds the strength on pull and is very easy to build.

[@rebecanagengast670]

Can you show it doing this box using a table saw?

[@oddwhun]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/foK7ea2sf7OmpaMsi=qOF5GsI-ooRcBJp-

[@mla999]

Not the same @oddwhun. You end up with the exposed groove with that technique.

[@GregariousAntithesis]

You really should do a series on making kitchen cabinets using joints like this and others to make complete top and bottom kitchen cabinets. Include ideas for hidden corner cabinets, pantries, etc. im betting it would be a huge hit and get a lot of views. I use cubitron for knife sharpening its night and day better.

[@alfabsc]

THANKS for this explanation and demonstration of the lock joint. Over the last four years I remodeled my kitchen. For my lower cabinets I made pull out shelves (basically drawers). Ended up making over 50 drawer boxes using this technique. It works. As you said, the boxes stand up without glue. Thanks for the video.

[@woodrowsmith3400]

I have assembled drawers using a drawer lock bit, but then struggled to hide the drawer bottom groove I cut, making little strips to stuff in the resulting gaps. It worked, but... This simple, one bit joint made with tooling that everyone should have in their inventory is ingenious. As easily as it snaps together I can only imagine it's strength with glue and 18ga nails or staples. Brilliant, James. Simply brilliant.

[@mcsdigital]

This is great, I'm new to wood working and don't have a router table. So, I will test this out with a small box on a table saw. Thanks for the advice. Then I will use it to build my first cabinet.

[@mla999]

Any tips on doing this with the table saw? Come out okay?

[@constantinosschinas4503]

This is woodworking. Thoughtful yet simple. Adjustable tolerances where needed. Sturdy and beautiful result.

[@garyK.45ACP]

Works great. I've been using that joint for drawers and cabinets for 40 years. I use my table saw and a dado set. I also cut the back panel a little shorter with no groove. The drawer bottom gets screwed to the edge of the back panel from underneath. You can cut the front panel oversized to have a "lap" around the edges to cover the opening where the drawer goes into the table or cabinet. You don't need to attach a separate drawer "front". The drawers on the first sofa table I ever made with this technique are still holding tight.

[@G.I.JeffsWorkbench]

Wow James, a very helpful complement to your earlier video on lock rabbit joints. For those of us who DO have access to a table saw (& radial arm saw) dado stack, but DON’T have a router table, could you please (!) show us how to do this on a table saw? I can’t even imagine attempting this with just a router (without the table), even with a jig for stability.

[@jonathangaliano2617]

Yea I'd like a simple way to do it with a table saw

[@RafterSkills]

Good stuff! This is the type of joint that we would have used for internal door frames!

[@mathquir190]

I really enjoy and respect your work and your professionalism into teaching us. Highly appreciated content.

[@magnusgreel275]

That really is an awesome way to make a box! I just wish wood wasn't so expensive these days.

[@williambranham6249]

Wait till next year😂

[@aaronbono4688]

I make a lot of boxes when I do my woodworking and you just solved one of my biggest headaches, thank you so much!

[@Frucr88]

Are you able to make a video on how to efficiently and safely do this on a table saw with a dado set? Would be much appreciated to learn!

[@DaveHerrald]

Love this. Built a set of shop cabinets with this technique from your video on same topic a number of years back. Good stuff.

[@desertman3]

I have been a subscriber for a few years. I started watching when I retired and started amassing the various tools I needed to begin this woodworking journey. Yesterday I used my router table and this video to make a box for various measuring tools in my shop. Your videos are excellent! Thanks for the education. Keep them coming!

[@woodstover]

I made all my kitchen drawers using this joint, turned out great and was quick and easy.

[@hansblonk1465]

You probably need a good router bit when doing lots of them?

[@ryanbartlett672]

Thanks. You make some of the best KZbin content. Feels both like a tv show and we're just in his (beautiful) shop talking shop.

[@dsigetich]

Superb (again), James. Thank you. That will be my next box. Unfortunately, I saw this just AFTER completing a box a little smaller than yours. Next time. I’m looking forward to the ease of assembly and the rigidity of this technique. 😊

[@mikedurkee7296]

I'm thinking that I'll build the router table that you just posted a video for and trying this method. I have some shop drawers I need to make and what better way to practice (and screw up) than shop furniture 😂. Thanks again James for being a wonderful teacher and yes the 3M cubitron sand paper is the fantastic-I will never go back to the cheap stuff.

[@sapelesteve]

Excellent demo video James! I am definitely bookmarking this one for later viewing! 👍👍🔨🔨

[@inthefade]

I recently saw a woodworker do tests that showed dovetails are really not as good as we think, and joints like this performed much better! I'd like to see more tests done, but it was fascinating.

[@dr.zarkhov9753]

Watching your video, I'm suddenly reminded of high school wood shop class. End of the period and it's time for everyone to present how far along their projects have gotten. One of the more smart ass fellow students was building a treasure chest. He built a box ,no cover though. It was going to be built up from strips. Our illustrious teacher gets to this students box, picks it up and views it from a few angles, checking squareness, etc and suddenly to everyone's amazement he punched his massive bear claw of a hand, through the bottom of the box which was lazily designed with face nailed bottom boards. I bet he never forgot that lesson 😂😂😂 because I never have. Definitely want to try this technique. Thanks for sharing. Highly informative channel I come back to often. Kudos to you 🙏👌

[@christophermoore1774]

I've finally seen a few videos about locking rabbit joints the last few months. I don't understand why it is finally now gaining popularity? 4 years ago, there were no videos, when I had an old dresser drawer falling apart from too much pulling and was inspired too use locking rabbit joints to build a pair of nightstands, as my first ever wood project. They are beginner level easy, router or table saw, dado or no dado, and probably stronger than dove tails. The only Con is the little nubs on the bottom of the front and back sides, they easily break off, but once everything is glued there is no problem. Anyway, glad to see KZbinrs finally recognizing this great drawer joint! Its all I use for my drawers.

[@russellcasperson6695]

I thought I was super clever when I "came up with this idea" a few years ago making drawers. Turned out it was a super common way to make them after a quick trip through KZbin.

[@checkshirtjoinery5372]

That's brilliant, and your the reason I tryed cubitron 2, and a year later its all I buy, stunning stuff! (No dumb questions from me today)

[@generessler6282]

Nice. I've actually built drawers like that for our kitchen table, which already has 15 years of daily use, has been moved 5 times, and still looks and works great. Straightforward, but the down side is that there are zero surfaces in those groove joints where two face grain sides are glued. Every one is end grain to face, just like a butt. Dovetails and finger joints are better for strength and resilience for this reason.

[@jeffwebb7423]

I have to say I like the out of the box way that you build projects and your instructions actually work and are easy to follow. I was wondering if you had ever made removable inserts using something like a drawer lock bit for a table saw sled?

[@locomokko]

Great video. I'm looking forward to tackling cabinet making. This looks genius. And as for the Cubitron, I can 100% attest to what you mention! That stuff is awesome! Thanks for introducing me to it. Scott from Japan

[@KyleAckerProductions]

Well this is convienient timing. I have a large cabinet to build and have been looking at joints for the carcass as I don't want to use pocket holes. This looks super approachable even with a palm/trim router. Thanks for sharing!

[@MaddMaxxWoodWorks]

Wow what an easy way to get something done that was way to difficult before. Thank you

[@iamnegan1515]

Was almost magical how the groove hid itself. 👍

[@richardcranium5839]

i'm making drawers for all my kitchen cabinets. too old to get down on the floor and get back up easily. i like this gunna bookmark it for reference!!!

[@troyqueen9503]

A refresher from shop class days,I’m getting old.😂😂

[@chrisdemeglio7983]

Very nice technique. Having not seen how it would be done on the table saw, this method looks easy and simple as well as reproducible. Thanks for all your videos.

[@MakerBoyOldBoy]

My father was a WWII SeaBee in the Pacific and then a carpenter/ builder. He explained how he mase a trick box with perfect fitting lid. He would measure from the top edges of each side piece and note that measurement. He would assemble all sides, top and bottom with the saw cuts on the inside. Virwers would laugh that he couldn't open the box. He simply measured down from the top edges again, but added 1/8" and cut all 4 sides. Then he slapped the top of the box and the two cuts matched up with a separate lid. He liked that trick.

[@t0fast]

We've always called it a shoulder lock joint (most companies in New England). Never thought of calling it a locking rabit joint but it makes sense of why it would be called that.

[@technoman9000]

Nice I've been procrastinating making some drawers because I'm intimidated by dovetails. This looks much easier.

[@johnnyb95678]

Really helpful and timely video. I am just starting on a set of drawers and plan on using this idea. Thank you for sharing.

[@eherlitz]

Awesome tutorial! It could also be mentioned that there are routerbits specially deigned for the first cuts as well!

[@SteamCrane]

Probably the most practical woodworking channel. I like the Harvey router table/fence system, a definite someday buy.

[@mrdinsdale]

Very cool. I think I'm going to buy at Router table. Also, even though it is an ad, I think the 3M Cubitron abrasive discs are something I'll have to try out.

[@rebeccaoliver5306]

Can this technique be used with plywood?

[@StumpyNubs]

yes

[@markp6062]

Wow! Very good, Mr. Stumpy! Thanks for sharing!

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic! Thanks a bunch for the tip, James! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@clutions]

Love cubitron!

[@OldSilkRoad]

Bravo, Maestro!

[@franks4973]

Nice joints, would like to see this on a table saw with dado blades since I don’t have a router table.

[@karthiksc47]

Thank you, Jim. Super Idea, will do this with a dado. Much appreciated.

[@craig8727]

Your videos are very useful, I've learned a lot from them. Also you are very well spoken! Who would have thought you'd see that comment in a woodworking video. Keep up the great work!

[@J.A.Smith2397]

Reasons why your my boy blue! I've made those for a changing table station for granddaughter

[@garymiller5937]

Thanks very much James! Fabulous idea.😊😊😊❤❤❤

[@bruceallen6377]

and this is why I'm subscribed to such an awesome channel! Thanks again!

[@johnduffy6546]

as usual..PURE GENIUS!

[@maurell-webb820]

This was a great tip! Thank you so very much for sharing.

[@markjacobsen605]

Great video!

[@tigersunruss]

Love this! I've never built a cabinet or drawer yet but I want to (saved video).

[@froglobster]

Long time sub- Stubby is the ultimate woodpecker literally!

[@MakeSomething]

Brilliant! Definitely using this.

[@jsalazar3]

Super Easy! Barely an Inconvenience! Self aligning is tight!

[@robertpearson8798]

I’ve been using that kind of joint for years with the exception that I only use it for the fronts and a straight rabbet for the back with the back panel cut shallower to allow me to slide a bottom in from the back and pin it. The little hole created by a dado set isn’t a problem because I tend to prefer applied fronts that cover it. A lock rabbet would work just as well for the back.

[@schulme123]

Thanks James! Time to get makin'!

[@thaddeustroyer]

Thank you. Always a wealth of knowledge.

[@leblancexplores]

This seems particularly useful if you don’t want to make a false front to cover up your dado slots from the half/half/half method.

[@johnpetrea]

Thank You for your teaching

[@dcmsr5141]

I made a table at the local wood shop and the instructor commented "If you can make a box you can make anything."

[@Bob_H]

Once again a fantastic video, thank you. I was just about to build an other shop storage cabinet.

[@tonyn3123]

I have watched this video three times and I absolutely love this concept; however, I cannot get my head fully around it from the video. Could you possibly generate a detailed tutorial of the process; ever better would be PDFs and explanations of the individual processes pictured. I love the concept because I have a better router table than table saw system and never made a decent, accurate and strong drawer or box. Also, a ratio or something to determine bit height or clearance with different material thicknesses would be really helpful I am probably asking for too much but got to ask. Thanks.

[@StumpyNubs]

All the details, including step by step with specific bit and fence positions are in the video. Not sure what more you need.

[@scott_sauce]

This is genius... thank you!

[@jimanderson4495]

Thanks James